My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother

From Publishers Weekly Younger siblings, take heart: Polacco's ( Rechenka's Eggs ; Chicken Sunday ) chipper new picture book offers solace to anyone encumbered with a bratty big brother. Patricia is continually aggravated by her older brother, who has "orange hair that was like wire; he was covered in freckles and looked like a weasel with glasses." But worst of all, he can do most anything better than his sister and is fond of saying, "I'm four years older than you . . . . Always have been and always will be." After several unsuccessful tries, Patricia's most daring attempt to best her brother leads her to see him in a new light. Polacco's flair for storytelling shines in this tale filled to the brim with a family's anecdotes. The text rings true with the authentic battling words of childhood spats. Breezy, zestfully hued marking-pen-and-pencil artwork affords Polacco's characters--familiar figures from some of the author/artist's other titles--an almostirrepressible energy. Ages 4-7. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal PreSchool-Grade 3-Featuring an obnoxious, freckle-faced, bespectacled boy and a comforting, tale-telling grandmother, this autobiographical story is as satisfying as a warm slice of apple pie. Patricia can't quite understand how anyone could possibly like her older brother Richard. Whether picking blackberries or eating raw rhubarb, he always manages to outdo her, rubbing it in with one of his "extra-rotten, weasel-eyed, greeny-toothed grins." When their Bubbie teaches Patricia to wish on a falling star, she knows just what to ask for. The next day her wish comes true; although dizzy, she remains on the carnival merry-go-round longer than Richard. Her nemesis turns into her hero, however, when she takes a spill and he carries her home. This warm-hearted look at a typical family relationship will strike a familiar chord with siblings of all ages. The endless "can so/cannot" arguments and the girl's total exasperation make the dialogue entertaining and realistic. Bubbie's musings are more poetic, adding a sense of wonder to the everyday tone of the text. Polacco's exuberant illustrations, done in marking pens and pencil, are filled with warmth and humor. Pointing angrily at one another or quietly cuddling against Bubbie's heart, the characters are carefully posed to reflect the story's varying moods. Barnyard animals provide an amusing backdrop to the children's antics, puckering their faces at the sour rhubarb and smiling sweetly at a tender moment. Black-and-white photographs of Patricia and Richie at different ages are scattered across the endpapers, adding the final touch to this endearing reminiscence. Joy Fleishhacker, New York Public Library Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Booklist Ages 5-8. Polacco's story of her childhood rivalry with her brother Richard harks back to growing up with grandparents in Union City, Michigan, and catches competition at gut level. Her grandmother, Bubbie, whom readers will recognize from other Polacco books, doesn't seem to know how rotten Richard is. Polacco conveys the passionate intensity of conflict--trying to pick more berries, eat more rhubarb, and stay on the merry-go-round longer--as well as the abiding love beneath it. The figures of the children are intense and full of motion, and the facial expressions are beautifully accomplished. Surrounding it all are Babushka-clad Bubbie's comforting love and warm hugs. Mary Harris Veeder From Kirkus Reviews Patricia has an older brother who looks ``like a weasel with glasses,'' but that's just for starters. The real problem with him- -besides his red wiry hair and his freckles--is that he's always telling her he can do everything better than she can. He can pick more blackberries, he can eat more rhubarb without puckering, he can run faster, climb higher, burp louder and spit farther. Worst of all, he's four years older, ``always has been and always will be.'' When Patricia's babushka--her grandmother--teaches her how to wish on a falling star, Patricia wishes to do something better than he does. She gets her wish and winds up seeing a different side of her brother as well. Polacco's (Babushka Baba Yaga, 1993, etc.; Pink and Say, see below) text is smooth, effortless and completely natural-sounding. Her drawings are funny and vivacious--as usual, her characters are drawn with wonderful facial expressions and limbs akimbo. She has the ability to transport you to her settings- -in this case, to a Michigan farm where you can practically feel the sun and smell the pies baking. Polacco has proved time and again that she is masterful both as illustrator and storyteller, and this book is no exception. (Nonfiction/Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. Patricia Polacco belongs to a family of storytellers, poets, farmers, teachers, and artists. They came from many parts of the world, but mainly Russia. She grew up to be an illustrator, a designer, and creator of many beloved children’s books, including The Keeping Quilt , The Blessing Cup , Fiona’s Lace , The Trees of the Dancing Goats , Babushka’s Doll , My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother , Sticks and Stones , and Palace of Books . She lives in Union City, Michigan. Visit her at PatriciaPolacco.com and follow her on Facebook. Read more