February 15, 2022
"Sometimes they fight. Sometimes they're friends. A sister story never ends." Finison and Jackson take a slice-of-life approach to their portrayal of the ups and downs of almost any sibling bond. Lulu and her older sister, Zoey, have their spats (which sometimes turn into physical fights), as sisters do: They find each other's games annoying and mess with each other's stuff. But when there are stories to tell and mermaids to draw, they come together once again...and even share the best cookies. Rhythmic rhyming couplets imbue this story with upbeat energy, which is reflected in the dynamic, vibrantly colored single- and double-page-spread digital illustrations. The sisters' relationship is refreshingly realistic, from power dynamics arising from their age gap to the way shared creative passions can quell conflict. Readers with siblings will surely find echoes of themselves in both characters and take comfort in the fact that the story ends happily. However much these sisters might disagree or get on each other's nerves, they will always find room in their hearts for each other. And, just maybe, the story's ending anticipates, for another sister. Zoey has medium brown skin, and Lulu has light brown skin; their mother is Black, and their dad is White-presenting; all female characters have natural hair. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A simple, heartwarming ode to sisterhood. (Picture book. 4-8)
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July 1, 2022
PreS-Gr 1-Rhyming text and sweet, expressive illustrations are used to good effect in this gentle story of sibling rivalry. Sisters Lulu and Zoey quarrel, as all sisters do, and end up spending quiet time apart when it all becomes too much, and Aunt Eliza has had "Enough!" Eventually they are on good terms again, sharing cookies, stories, and toys. They realize that "Always sisters have each other, and sometimes sisters have another!" when their parents arrive home with a new baby. Though this is a story only about sisters, children with any older or younger siblings will find something to relate to, and those in families expecting a new baby will begin to realize how their relationships will change when the new baby comes home. The sisters, aunt, and mother have various shades of brown skin, while the father, introduced in the final spread, is white. VERDICT A solid choice to add to a school's collection of sibling stories.-Sue Morgan
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
September 23, 2022
Preschool-Grade 2 The highs and lows of having a sibling are on full display in this endearing beginning reader, starring older sister Zoey and little sister Lulu. It shows hardships like having to share, not playing fair, and arguments that lead to shouting and stomping. Short rhyming sentences and action-filled illustrations illuminate these contentious behaviors, but calmer scenes soon follow as the girls take some quiet time independent of one another. In the end, it's clear that Lulu and Zoey love each other, as they come back together to write and illustrate a story together. In a surprise ending, the girls' father (white) and mother (Black) return home with a new baby sister! The illustrations by Jackson, illustrator of Parker Curry's Parker Looks Up (2019), are colorful, full of expression, and heartwarming. The soft details and pastel hues bring warmth to the realistic characters. Supportive with a strong family message, this offering is a natural read-alike for Kelly Sterling Lyons' Ty's Travels series.
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