Emma's Yucky Brother

by Jean Little, Jennifer Plecas (Illustrator)

Overview

Emma has always wanted a little brother. Now her family is adopting Max, and Emma is sure he will be the best brother ever. But Max thinks sisters are yucky, and that Emma is the yuckiest! Emma discovers that there is more to having a brother than she guessed, and that in order to get the brother she wants, she must first learn to be the sister he needs. Starring the characters from Emmas's Magic Winter, Emma's Yucky Brother is a warmhearted, perceptive story about adoption.

About the Authors:
Jean Little is the author of more than twenty-five books for children. In addition to Emma's Magic Winter, illustrated by Jennifer Plecas, Ms. Little's works include Hey World, Here I Am!, illustrated by Sue Truesdell, and From Anna. Ms. Little lives in Ontario, Canada.

Jennifer Plecas's illustrations appear in many popular books for children, including Wrapping Paper Romp by Patricia Hubbell, Rattlebone Rock by Sylvia Andrews, and the ALA Notable Book The Outside Dog, and I Can Read Book by Charlotte Pomerantz. Ms. Plecas lives in Blue Springs, MO.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780064442589
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	04/28/2002
Series:	I Can Read Book 3 Series
Pages:	64
Sales rank:	89,081
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.16(d)
Lexile:	200L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Jean Little is the author of more than twenty-five books for children. In addition to Emma's Magic Winter, her first I Can Read Book, Ms. Little's works include the novels Lost and Found, Different Dragons, From Anna and Hey World, Here I Am, illustrated by Sue Truesdell. Jean Little has always been interested in adoption, and she had a first-hand experience with it when her sister adopted two children several years ago. The family has nine pets, the most recent addition being Henry Higgins, a talking African gray parrot. Although Jean Little was born with scarred corneas that severely impair her vision, she has always loved to read and to write. She writes with a voice-activated computer and travels widely with her Seeing Eye dog, Pippa. Ms. Little lives in Ontario, Canada.

Jennifer Plecas's illustrations appear in many popular books for children, including Wrapping Paper Romp, a Growing Tree book by Patricia Hubbell, and Rattlebone Rock by Sylvia Andrews, as well as the ALA Notable Book the Outside Dog, an I Can Read Book by Charlotte Pomerantz. Ms. Plecas lives in Blue Springs, Missouri.

Table of Contents

	Emma's Big News	5
	Max's Visit	15
	Their Boy	29
	Max Comes to Stay	37
	Max's Sister	47

Editorial Reviews

Many young readers will appreciate the unusual theme, and the easygoing narrative will keep them reading.

The Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books

"Heartfelt and honest; an adoption story from the viewpoint of the older sibling [with] simple words and clear, expressive illustrations."

Booklist

Heartfelt and honest; an adoption story from the viewpoint of the older sibling [with] simple words and clear, expressive illustrations.

Booklist (starred review)

Many young readers will appreciate the unusual theme, and the easygoing narrative will keep them reading.

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Emma has waited a long time for a brother and now her parents are adopting a little boy, so her wish will come true. Her friend next door warns her that brothers can sometimes be yucky, but Emma is sure her new brother will be wonderful. Max begins his visits with the family and he isn't quite the way Emma had hoped he would be. After a rocky start including a disappearing act by Max that gets everyone worried, Emma and her brother come to terms. The text is more realistic in depicting the difficulty Max has adjusting to a new home and Emma's disappointment. It has a happy conclusion, which is what we all would hope for in similar circumstances. Delightful illustrations of the family and friends fill every page of this "I Can Read Book." 2001, HarperCollins, $14.95 and $14.89. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot

Children's Literature

K-Gr 3-Emma has wanted a little brother for as long as she can remember, so when her parents are about to adopt four-year-old Max, she is excited. First, though, she needs to overcome his seeming dislike for her. The relationship is rocky, but in the end both siblings recognize the special bond they share. The children's reactions to the new family dynamics are realistic and the steps involved in Max's move from a foster home to his adoptive family will leave readers with a much better understanding of the emotional toll such a move has on everyone involved. These feelings are adeptly captured in the art. The expressive faces of Emma, Max, and their parents reflect the many moods of this evolving family. The gentle tone makes this book a wonderful resource for parents and caregivers/foster families helping youngsters understand this process of acceptance and change.-Maura Bresnahan, Shawsheen School, Andover, MA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

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