The Horn Book Guide

LITERATURE

George, Kristine O'Connell

Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems

48 pp. | Clarion | February, 2011 | Trade ISBN 978-0-618-42842-7 $16.99

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. Thirty-four poems cover the highs and lows of big sisterhood. Fourth-grader Jess describes life with almost-four-year-old Emma, who adores and simultaneously annoys her sister. The straightforward, honest poems contain a range of feelings: embarrassment, fury, affection. Likewise, Carpenter's illustrations capture both the endearing and irritating qualities of preschool-aged girls, while the expressions on Jess's face capture every nuance of her emotions.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2011