School Library Journal Review
PreS-K-A young monkey doesn't believe his parents' assertion that there is a baby growing inside his mother's belly; after all, he says, "I was in there once, four years ago. I didn't see anybody else." As the family builds a nest and holds a baby shower, the youngster hopes for a brother-if there is a baby in there, which he doubts. Just as our hero starts to suspect his parents might be telling the truth, along comes his new sister. With bold lines and bright colors, Whitt's expressive acrylic, colored pencil, and wax crayon illustrations feature characters that pleasingly combine monkey and human traits. The pictures and the bouncy, humorous text draw readers in to the world of the expectant sibling.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
A young chimp is doubtful that there's a baby inside his pregnant mother's stomach, and with good reason: "I was in there once, four years ago. I didn't see anybody else." When the boy's father assures him that he'll be getting a new playmate, the chimp envisions playing ball with his baby brother. But his grandmother's prediction that the baby is a girl elicits a far less palatable image: that of the scowling chimp having a tea party with his sister. The chimp's ingenuous voice and skepticism give Mackall's (Listen to the Silent Night) story a wily edge that many books about soon-to-be siblings lack. Also refreshing is newcomer Whitt's bustling mixed-media art. Bold colors, textures, and patterns intermingle in jungle scenes that parrot the narrator's change of mood as he accepts the prospect of a new baby, pitches in to help prepare for her arrival, and welcomes her into his world. A playfully affirming book for reluctant prospective siblings. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
