Review: Another Brother by Matthew Cordell

Another Brother
By Matthew Cordell
Feiwel and Friends
ISBN: 9780312643249
$16.99
Grades K-2
In Stores

Find it at:
Schuler Books | Your Library

The arrival of a new sibling can be a stressful event. Sure, parents have their hands full, but big brother or big sister also have to cope with a lot of change. In Another Brother Matthew Cordell captures the emotions that come with a new addition to the family. Humor with heart.

Davy is an only child and the unopposed star of the family. Whether singing a tender ballad or knitting socks, his parents are there for support. Everything changes, however, when a baby brother comes along – Petey. And then 11 more brothers. 12 total. It isn’t long before Davy’s herd of siblings is copying his every move and our hero is at his wits end. But imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and when Davy’s brothers stop mimicking him, it’s not as freeing as he thought. Thankfully, someone new enters the picture to right the situation.

The book has a hand-crafted look that makes it stand out. The title is hand-lettered. The endpapers are a play on the storyline. Removing the dust jacket reveals another illustration. It adds up to a lovely book with a one-of-a-kind feel.

The pen and ink with watercolor artwork seamlessly moves from spot illustrations to full page scenes to gloriously funny two-page spreads and back again. It’s a visually engaging mix.

The world will never run out of new siblings, and Another Brother is a book on the topic that you’d be wise to have on hand.

Review copy from publisher.

Also reviewed by Waking Brain Cells.

Read an interview with Matthew Cordell at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.

Watch the Another Brother Book Trailer (featuring some serious kazoo playing):

Filed under: Reviews