I'm Your Peanut Butter Big Brother
PreSchool-Grade 2—A big-brother-to-be muses about his future sibling. He knows that his own looks are a combination of his "dark Daddy chocolate bar and strawberry cream Mama's milk" and wonders how the biracial mix will manifest itself in his new brother or sister. From skin to hair to eyes to lip shape, the boy names the possibilities in a story more poetic than plot-driven. The book ends satisyingly with the birth of a baby sister, whose skin tone looks much like that of her "peanut butter big brother." As is frequently the case in picture books about racial differences, the text relies heavily on food metaphors to create positive associations. Somewhat abstract for the target audience, the story may appeal more to parents than to children. However, it will certainly be appreciated by biracial families, and the loving and anticipatory atmosphere may connect with any expectant family wondering who the new baby will take after.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FLCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.