YOU’RE A BROTHER, LITTLE BUNNY!

This straightforward variation on the theme of the new sibling adds nothing new to the genre that includes such masterpieces as Russell Hoban’s A Baby Sister for Frances (1964) and Kevin Henkes’s Julius the Baby of the World (1991). Both of those have more depth and richness to them, as do any of a number of others that actually offer better solutions. Little Bunny practices being a big brother on his boy baby doll, loves little Kale when he first sees him, but resents the presents for Kale (he gets nothing for himself, but does get to open Kale’s), mom’s time away from him, and Kale’s diaper stinkiness. His refrain—“If we didn’t have a baby . . . ”—will ring true, but it’s been done before, too. But he makes Kale smile, and gets to burp him, and finally to take him to sharing time at school—well, that’s certainly a new one. The illustrations are in poster paint colors and depict familiar family scenes whether bunny or otherwise. (Picture book. 3-7)