ONE MORE YEAR

A brother spins fanciful tales on his younger sister’s birthday in this debut picture book.

Every year on her birthday, a boy tells his sister about a magical being. But he explains she will have to wait until her next birthday to meet this figure. For example, on her second birthday, he tells her she will greet “the wise old wizard in the tree” when she turns 3 years old. But on the girl’s third birthday, the boy asserts that the wizard “had to flee” and she won’t see him. This pattern repeats for several birthdays as the brother describes beings his sister will encounter, including an elf, a dragon, and a fairy. Ultimately, the boy says she won’t meet them after all. Though she is upset, he encourages her to be imaginative: “Enjoy each day that’s here. There’s so much magic we can make through every passing year.” The kids, who have light skin, are shown celebrating. Some youngsters may feel frustrated as the girl becomes distraught by her brother’s tales. Still, the message to enjoy each other’s company is relatable. Ballenger’s story offers lively, creative imagery. Aguilera’s whimsical illustrations are charming and fun. They feature the siblings as well as the brother’s scenarios in bright colors and textured details. Some include subtext. For example, the last page depicts the siblings as older people in front of a birthday cake surrounded by the brother’s magical figures.

A playful story that siblings will appreciate.