Publisher's Weekly Review
Iris anticipates her baby sibling with glee: "It will be just like playing with a doll," she tells her friend Walter. But when the new arrival won't stop crying, the big sister changes her tune in Iris and Walter and Baby Rose by Elissa Haden Guest, illus. by Christine Davenier. Once again, Grandpa brings a new perspective in this charming beginning chapter book series. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
When Iris gets a new sister, she'sádisappointed that all the baby does is cry.áIris's understanding friendáWalter provides earmuffs, and her grandfather gives her a day away. Iris and Walter's strong friendship is less important in their third book, but Guest continues to write convincingly about children's feelings. The sketchy pen-and-ink illustrations give the book a casual feel. From HORN BOOK Fall 2002, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Ages 3-5, older for reading alone. Iris is excited to tell her friend Walter that she is going to be a big sister, but after baby Rose joins the household, she cries so loudly that Iris is driven to distraction. A gift of earmuffs from Walter, a day of fun with Grandpa, and some loving attention from her parents help restore her equilibrium. Soon Rose grows out of her fussiness and becomes the baby sister Iris had hoped for all along. The smooth-flowing sound of the words and the occasional twists of humor combine to elevate Guest's graceful text above the run-of-the-mill. The book is also simply written enough to be used as a beginning reader. Well matched in tone to the text, Davenier's expressive ink drawings, washed with gentle colors, have an informal look. An honest, yet reassuring «new baby» story. Carolyn Phelan.
School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-3-Iris is excited about becoming a big sister, but it's a long time from winter until spring when the baby will arrive. Then, reality sets in when Baby Rose is born, possessing a very healthy set of lungs. All she does is "Cry, cry, cry," Iris complains to her friend Walter. He loans her his earmuffs, which helps make the situation more tolerable. When Iris is just about fed up with all the fuss over and the fussiness of the baby, Grandpa takes her on an outing-just the two of them. Over time, Rose begins to grow and is eventually less vocal. Iris finally decides that she likes being a big sister, and is pretty good at it, too. This book is suitable for those just beyond beginning readers, yet not quite ready for longer chapter books. Each page has approximately two to five sentences of text. Davenier's sketches enhance the story of a loving family with parents who help both of their girls fit in. The illustrations are done in pen and ink, filled in with watercolor washes, primarily in shades of blue and pink. A simple story, pleasantly told.-Roxanne Burg, Thousand Oaks Library, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
