I'm Your Peanut Butter Big Brother

When I first encountered this book its frank and welcoming approach captured my attention. The physical variety and difference our species generates is a subject that deserves the contemplation of not only children but also adults. The book is so direct in both its imagery and its text that I was astonished. Such clarity is a welcome gift to teach acceptance and temper the fear that can be experienced when we encounter anyone who isn't us.

"I'm Your Peanut Butter Big Brother" is a fun and beautiful book. The imagery, both visual and written, explores a complex issue in a poetic and rich way. A perfect compliment to the words, Alko's stylized illustrations are gorgeous and continue to reveal upon repeat examinations. I highly recommend this book not only for soon-to-be sibling but for all!

Big brother wonders whether the new baby will look like him - and considers all the different family features the new baby could have. A lyrical text lends to read-aloud rhythm and an artistic set of drawings captures the feel of a big brother's anticipation of the new arrival.

This book is an absolute delight! It appeals on all levels; the illustrations are gorgeous, the text poetic and musical. Alko artfully captures the excitement and curiosity of a young child awaiting a younger sibling. What's nice is that this child has no one pre-determined picture of the sibling-to-be; through masterful artwork and spoken-word style text, the book explores a range of possible images of his future sibling. Written from the child's perspective, the book celebrates the lineage of interracial families, while joyously affirming kids and parents of all colors: "Starry night sky and lemon meringue sunshine / Daddy and Mommy blend a mocha cloud." Several of the illustrations resonate, for me, with deep truths about the experience of parenting -- the world-stop-still moments of kissing a child, and the full-heart feeling of watching an older sibling hold the younger one for the first time. My 4-year-old daughter and I can't stop reading and looking at this book (and I know her younger brother will love it in a few years, too)!