We Are Expecting You!

February 13, 2023
The waiting is the hardest part for a young elephant eagerly anticipating a new arrival in Saltzberg’s tender picture book. As brief text suggests things the siblings will lovingly do and share in the days ahead, a petite purple pachyderm stands close to their gray, kind-faced gestating parent and directly addresses the fetus growing within. “I will read to you,” the young elephant says. “I can sing to you.” And on the same page on which the youth promises “I will really try to wait for you patiently,” they also shout “Come out already!”—hinting at growing impatience to come. Single-color backgrounds provide perky canvases for the stylized, black-lined protagonists. Simple text and expressive figures make for a warm and entertaining way to introduce the idea of a growing family—and to bide time until an infant arrives. Ages 3–5.

May 1, 2023
A little elephant eagerly anticipates the arrival of a new sibling. It's tough to be patient for a new baby, especially when there is so much to share with them. A little purple elephant proudly lists all the fun things the siblings will do together: playing peekaboo, singing, and telling secrets, for example. The simple illustrations show the little elephant practicing knock-knock jokes and dancing with their pregnant mother in preparation. All the pages have brightly colored backgrounds, the elephants drawn with a thick black outline, their expressive faces displaying joy, impatience, and wonder. Directly addressed to the new baby from the little elephant, the text refreshingly focuses on the knowledge the sibling has to share rather than the changes to come. This encourages young readers to feel excited, empowered by all that they have to impart, and an important part of welcoming a new family member. When at last the baby elephant does arrive, the little one does not disappoint, adorably wrapped in a yellow polka-dot swaddle. The final pages showcase the siblings' playful and loving relationship. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A loving, charming ode to a growing family and sibling bonds. (Picture book. 2-5)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.