The brothers Quibble by Aaron Blabey
Penguin Viking, 2014. ISBN 9780670076000.
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Sibling rivalry. Family. All children
will see through the antics of Spalding as he tries to deal with the
advent of a new brother, Bunny. Spalding has been the only child for
quite some time, used to getting his own way from his quiet,
unassuming parents, a real 'King of the Castle', complete with
cardboard crown. He swings his mighty sword upon his mighty stead,
that is, until, Bunny is introduced.
From then on, pushed aside by his doting parents, he decides to
cause mayhem, until he is sent to his room. His war footing however,
is softened when his brother grows, as babies do, and he calls
Spalding by name.
The change is slow, but change does occur. The reader will chortle
as Bunny tells Spalding that he loves him, using a ladder to get up
to Spalding's room when he is given time out, nestling his head upon
Spalding's lap. All of these endearing ways wriggle into Spalding's
heart, and as Bunny grows, their relationship changes again, and
they are pictured arguing and Bunny hits Spalding with his ugg boot,
just like all kids. Brothers at last.
The delectable illustrations from Blabey's brush add to the fun
showing the glowering Spalding softening as Bunny becomes endearing,
but then Bunny's face in using the ugg boot reflects Spalding's at
the start of the book. Blabey's illustrations are just wonderful and
add to the general humour and mayhem produced by the two boys.
Fran Knight