The Baby Sister

Starred review from March 18, 1996
Reaching deep into the treasured memories of his own childhood, dePaola pulls out a plum. Little Tommy eagerly anticipates the arrival of a new sibling, and prays nightly for "a baby sister with a red ribbon in her hair." Household preparations proceed on course until a slight detour knocks Tommy for a loop-the arrival of his stern Italian nana instead of beloved Aunt Nell to care for him while his mother is in the hospital. This added dimension lifts the plot beyond the garden-variety "new baby in the house" scenario, and under dePaola's sure, sensitive direction, a richly textured tale unfolds. The sympathetic fellow and his big, extended family are prime fodder for dePaola's artistic talent, too-with their well-known simplicity of line and cheerful palette, dePaola's illustrations radiate warmth and affection. Don't miss the author photo on the jacket cover for a glimpse of the real beribboned sister. Ages 3-6.

May 1, 1996
PreS-Another of dePaola's family stories. This one depicts young Tommy's anticipation of the arrival of his new sibling. In tightly framed paintings, the boy helps ready the nursery; draws and cuts paper decorations (his signature birds, hearts, and flowers); and eagerly awaits Aunt Nell's arrival. However, when his mother goes to the hospital, it is his forceful and dour Italian Nana who happens to be available for baby-sitting. Worse, because chicken pox is going around, Tommy can't even visit his mother after his sister is born. But all ends well-he and his Nana patch up their quarrels, and he gets to hold Maureen when all the relatives have gathered. This title goes along with The Art Lesson (1994), Tom (1993), and Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs (1973, all Putnam), all tales based on dePaola's memories. As a "waiting for the baby to arrive" story, though, this one seems as sedate and old-fashioned as its late-1930s setting.-Susan Hepler, Alexandria City Public Schools, VA

March 15, 1996
Ages 3^-6. In another warm picture book based on dePaola's family memories, Tommy's mother is expecting a baby. Tommy helps get the baby's room ready and longs for a sister with a red ribbon in her hair. He's thrilled when the baby is a girl, but while his mother is away in the hospital, his Italian grandmother comes to stay, and he finds it hard to get along with her. Nana is always bossing him and talking to his dad in Italian, so Tommy can't understand them. Of course, Tommy and Nana soon share their joy over the baby girl and hug each other and become friends. The turnabout is a bit abrupt, but the intense feelings are nicely played out. Simple lines and warm colors convey the affection in the extended family and the special closeness between Tommy and his parents. In language and gesture, big, frowning Nana is wonderfully individualized; she is also everyone's larger-than-life immigrant relative from another world. ((Reviewed March 15, 1996))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1996, American Library Association.)

June 21, 1999
PW's starred review praised this "richly textured" autobiographical tale about a boy eager for the birth of a new sibling. Ages 4-8.