Title: Another Brother
Author & Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Check out the interview at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends, 2012
Book Type: Fiction
Ages: 3-8
Themes: Siblings, Humor
Excerpt:
“Soon, whenever Davy would do something, all twelve of his little brothers would do the exact same thing.
Davy ate Toot Loops for breakfast. Petey, Mike, Stu, Mickey, Carl, Pip, Ralph, Tate, Lenny, Gil, Ned, and Bob ate Toot Loops, too.”
Synopsis (from MacMillan website):
Life for Davy was glorious as long as he had his mother and father to himself. But then he got a brother, Petey. When Davy sang, Petey cried. When Davy created a masterpiece, Petey spat up on it.
And then he got another brother, Mike! And another, Stu! And another, Gil! Until he had TWELVE LITTLE BROTHERS! And that was only the beginning!
Activities:
Storytime at Home:
Have the older sibling read it to the younger one(s). Use the book to jump-start a discussion about similarities between the sheep in the book and their own sibling relationship.
Craft:
- Step-by-Step instructions to creating a 3D sheep using cotton balls.
- Instructions for a simple sheep craft.
Why I Like This Book:
This is a hilarious, funny tale of how Davy’s life was turned upside down with the addition of one, then two, and eventually 12 little brothers. What do little siblings do best … why copy their older sibling of course. And boy do they copy Davy while he is eating, walking, biking, burping, etc. Davy is naturally VERY annoyed. But as we parents know this phase does pass, and soon Davy finds himself missing his 12 little shadows. One can be lonely. Lucky for Davy there is a happy ending.
This is a book every parent, older sibling, younger sibling can relate too. I must admit when I was a kid I was a bit like Davy. I didn’t want my tag-along little sister back then, though I do treasure her now.
My favorite aspect of the book are the silly, heartfelt illustrations. Cordell uses a variety of illustration sizes, spots, full scenes and wordless two-page spreads. A visually engaging book. The sheep are just sooo cute. Check out the trailer below.
This review is part of Susana Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book series. Visit her site to see the other books recommended.
NOTE ADDED 10/16/12: This book was nominated by Jessalynn Gale for the 2012 Cybils Awards in the Fiction Picture Book category. I am a second-round judge in this category, but this review reflects my opinions only, not those of any other panelist, or the panel as a whole. Thanks!
Flowering Minds 