Maryann Macdonald lives in New York, New York.
Anne Wilsdorf lives in Laussanne, Switzerland.
PreSchool-Grade 2–On Halloween, Angela is always upstaged by her older sister. When she is four, she is forced to cover her pretty fairy ensemble with a jacket, and her sisters rabbit outfit gets all of the attention. The next year, she dons the bunny suit, but a rainstorm transforms her into a soggy rat, while Bernadettes plastic witch hat and cape remain pristine. The next Halloween, Angela wears the hat and cape, adding makeup for a really ugly effect, but Bernadette steals the show with a beautiful gypsy dress. By age seven, Angela is fed up with being a copycat and makes herself a stylish ghost costume. Chicken pox keeps Bernadette from trick-or-treating and, with no older sister to overshadow her and a great getup, Angela is finally the star. She enjoys the glory, but also saves a special treat for her sister. The detailed watercolor-and-ink illustrations include wonderful facial expressions and scenes that capture the joy of Halloween. Warm hues and homey backdrops keep the tone light. Filled with gentle humor, this is a fun, non-preachy story about the challenges of being a younger sibling. Use it as a holiday selection or when exploring family relationships.–JoAnn Jonas, Chula Vista Public Library, San Diego, CA
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