WELCOME

A small dog grapples with accepting her family’s new puppy in this picture book about sibling rivalry.

Babette, a black French bulldog, loves her life. She has two olive-skinned moms, plenty of toys, and all the attention she could want. One day, she discovers a new puppy on her favorite nap pillow. Her moms introduce the pup as “your new baby brother Moby.” Babette is instantly jealous: She has to share her toys and the spotlight. When Babette is finally tired of sharing, she loudly barks at Moby, and her moms punish her by separating her not just from her sibling, but from all her toys as well. She feels unloved and unwanted, and she’s definitely not in the mood to visit the dog park later. But when a big canine threatens Moby, Babette realizes she has what it takes to defend her annoying little brother and finally embrace him. Giovine uses a straightforward text to invite emergent readers into the story. The challenge of welcoming a new sibling into the family will likely resonate with young humans as much as dogs. Younger siblings may even identify with Moby, the pup who just wants to be loved by his big sister. The author’s line art and painted images give the dogs a realistic feel while showing their big emotions. The simple backgrounds, frequently just white, allow readers to focus on the action without being overwhelmed by details.

An engaging tale for canine lovers and struggling siblings.