When I Am a Sister

Robin Ballard, was born in Los Angeles and attended the Cooper Union School of Art in New York City. After several years in Washington, D.C., she now lives with her husband and sons in Switzerland. Ms. Ballard has written many popular books, including I Used to Be the Baby, When We Get Home, and My Day, Your Day.

PreSchool-Grade 2?A girl of six or seven, about to return to her mother's house, wonders aloud to her father and pregnant stepmother how things will be when she comes for her next visit. The page design is clever. Small black-and-white square illustrations on the left show what she imagines it will be like?sharing her room with a crying baby, the new baby shredding her toys, a too-crowded vehicle, and sharing with a toddler what used to be her special times alone with each parent. Lighthearted, full-color pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations show how it will really be: a new room for her, decorated just as she wants it; her things carefully waiting for her; special times alone with Dad at the pool or painting with stepmother Kate. Greatly reassuring to a child who shuttles between two households and contemplates family changes, this story should help parents talk about ways they will show their love when a new sibling arrives.?Susan Hepler, Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA
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