If It Weren't for You (Cadmus Edition)

From Booklist In Zolotow's text, which was first published in 1966, an older sibling pointedly tells a younger one the advantages of being an only child and finally comes up with one reason why things are better the way they are. To Zolotow's credit, the last reason is as wryly truthful to a child's experience as those on the other side of the argument: without her little sister, she'd have to be alone with the grown-ups. Karas' fresh, inventive artwork captures the attitudes of the big sister perfectly, makes the younger sister cheerfully impervious to the older one's grumbling, and delivers a great deal of amusing activity in the pictures for children to enjoy. A timeless text renewed by witty, imaginative illustrations. Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Product Description Sooner or later, all big brothers and big sisters think it. Sometimes they may even say it: If it weren't for you, I'd be the only child and I'd get all the presents. But then there are other times too, times when having a younger sibling may just be a blessing in disguise. . . . With simplicity and grace, the legendary Charlotte Zolotow turns her clear-eyed gaze on the conflict and bond unique to siblings. G. Brian Karas's bright, engaging illustrations bring her classic text to a new generation. About the Author Charlotte Zolotow—author, editor, publisher, and educator—has one of the most distinguished reputations in the field of children's literature. She has written more than seventy books, many of which are picture-book classics, such as Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present and William's Doll. She lives in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. From School Library Journal PreSchool-Grade 2–Big sister is feeling sorry for herself as she imagines how good life would be without her younger sibling. She wouldn't have to share her room, her treats, or her tree house. She could read all day, hog the bathroom, and watch any TV program she wanted. As she sulks, little sister gradually works her way into her sibling's heart with small acts of kindness. Finally big sister concedes that having a younger sister is not all bad. Wisely the author and illustrator resist the temptation to make the ending overly sentimental. Instead of hugs and kisses, the older girl offers her younger sibling a half smile. This is a re-release of a text originally published in 1966 by Harper & Row. Ben Shecter's original illustrations featured two brothers. The new illustrations not only change the gender of the main characters, but also give the story a fresh, contemporary look. Karas's art is bright and cartoonlike, with contrasting colors that give the simple figures energy. LeUyen Pham's Big Sister, Little Sister (Hyperion, 2005) tells the story from the little sister's perspective. Both are worthy offerings on the topic of sibling relations.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.