ROTTEN RICHIE AND THE ULTIMATE DARE

In this absolutely delightful follow-up to Polacco’s My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother (1994), younger sister Trisha opens by detailing Richie’s total state of disgustingness. When he and his hockey buddies persist in making fun of her upcoming ballet recital, she “triple dog dares” him to join her. It’s the ultimate dare. He accepts on the condition that she plays in one hockey game. She scores the winning goal and he nails the pas de deux. The mood of the story is infectiously joyous and Polacco’s art captures all the nuances of sibling rivalry, the intensity of a hockey game and the (almost) grace of ballet. The endpapers feature more family photographs. And check out Trisha’s poodle skirt with bobby sox and saddle shoes. A terrific tale to share. (Picture book. 4-7)