School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-4-- Fearing that she'll be an ``invisible girl'' when her parents adopt a baby boy, Rex hides her burgeoning feelings of insecurity by trying to be the perfect big sister. When she decides to stick close to home and help out, her best friend, Pinky, misses her. His gift of a soccer ball for the baby, which will need to be ``broken in'' by the older children, leads to a return to normalcy. Those who have outgrown easy readers will appreciate this gentle story of two friends who really care about each other. Situations unfold naturally; especially well handled is the topic of adoption, treated simply and sincerely with a touch of humor. The bright, colorful illustrations help make this a welcome addition to library collections. --Valerie F. Patterson, Queens Borough Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Worried that her parents might ignore her in favor of newly adopted Matthew, Rex neglects her best friend, Pinky, and concentrates on helping with the baby. By giving Rex presents that celebrate her own interests -- including a soccer ball to break in for Matthew -- Pinky helps bring his friend 'back to normal.' Pleasant illustrations add to the reassuring quality of this chapter book. From HORN BOOK 1993, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Perhaps because Rex is a little older than the expectant siblings found in many picture books, her experience is the reverse of theirs: her worries about being supplanted come before her parents bring home new adopted brother Matthew. But then it's love at first sight--and pride in her new role of big sister and helper. As a result, Pinky feels he's lost his friend, but he devises a perfect remedy: his gift to Matthew is a soccer ball that Rex can start ``breaking in'' right now--which she does with Mother's blessing: ``You've been terrific with the baby, but go out and have some fun.'' With lively, believable dialogue, realistic situations that gently test the likable pair's mettle, and Sweet's appealing art on every easily read spread: another strong entry in a popular series. (Fiction/Young reader. 5-8)
Booklist Review
Gr. 1-4. Rex's parents have decided to adopt a little boy. Nervous about being forgotten when the new baby arrives, Rex rushes about making herself indispensable as "Number One Big Sister." That's all well and good, except that her best friend Pinky is beginning to feel neglected because Rex won't do anything that isn't related to the baby. The resourceful Pinky brings a present to baby Matthew--a soccer ball, which Rex will have to "break in." Luckily, Rex's mother recognizes that Rex is devoting a little too much time to her new brother and sends her off to play ball. The latest in Howe's series of Pinky and Rex books, this is a short, easy chapter book with engaging watercolors. It will be a solid, useful purchase for collections serving children who are learning to read, as well as transitional readers. ~--Janice Del Negro
