OLIVE MARSHMALLOW

Another new-baby story joins the cribfull of titles told from the big-sibling angle.

Archie isn’t sure he wants a new baby in the house, and he is “ABSOLUTELY sure he doesn’t like fluffy, frilly, very pink things.” When his mom leaves for the hospital, she promises to bring back a surprise. Surprise, yes, but not a toy—a “fluffy, frilly, very pink bundle” named Olive. Laughing, Archie remarks that she looks just like a marshmallow. Soon, life with Olive becomes rather a lot of fun, as there are twice as many toys as before, plus Archie has someone to play with. He proclaims, “Little sisters are actually really great.” It’s the cartoon-style illustrations reminiscent of Lauren Child’s that create the buoyant spirit. Oversized heads sport small half-circular swipes denoting noses and mouths, and they often fill the page. Blue and pink details on objects and clothing unoriginally if tidily match standard gender expectations: Archie has blue-and-white striped jammies, and Olive wears a pink romper. The clever ending adds a humorous surprise.

Well-done new sibling books are always welcome, and this one is as cozy as being swaddled.