What the No-good Baby is Good For - Hardcover

Elise Broach lives in Easton, Connecticut. Abby Carter lives in Hadlyme, Connecticut. Her book Slithery Jake was read on National Public Radio by Daniel Pinkwater.

PreSchool-Grade 1–After his baby sister has been at his house for several months, John decides that it is time for her to go. He is tired of sharing and being quiet during naps. His mother agrees, and they begin packing the tot's suitcase. As they work, John thinks of ways in which his sibling's no-good behavior can be good: for example, she is noisy, but that is useful at the library because she is louder than he is. Eventually, they decide that she is good for "quite a lot," and should only go to Grandma's for the day. The story is touching, funny, and honest. While most titles on this topic focus on the first few days after a newborn's arrival, this one looks at the continuing adjustment of older siblings and gently reminds parents to find special time together without the newcomer. The stereotypical portrayal of the librarian is the one disappointment in an otherwise rollicking tale. Sitting behind a desk, sporting a frizzy bun and half-moon glasses, she scowls at the baby's noisy enjoyment of the library. Still, the watercolor illustrations capture the text's warm, lighthearted tone and keep the visual focus on John and his sister. The boy's frustration at his sibling's actions comes across clearly, as do his mixed emotions when he thinks she may stay at Grandma's forever. A quality title that will resonate with older brothers and sisters everywhere.– Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR
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