Please Louise!.

Janet Collins is a freelance writer in Sechelt, British Columbia.

No doubt most older brothers and sisters can relate to Jake’s problem. His little sister Louise won’t leave him alone. She is constantly playing with his things, making noise when he wants to quietly read, and generally making a nuisance of herself. Jake has had enough. He thinks about going away or wearing a disguise, but alas, Louise insists she’ll always be able to find him. In frustration, Jake wishes he had a dog instead of a little sister. Suddenly, Jake finds himself facing a terrifying possibility: what if his wish came true?

Frieda Wishinsky and Marie-Louise Gay team up to tell this lively story with equally energetic illustrations. A fresh palette and wild-haired children are as much a trademark of Gay’s jolly style as the signature rabbit that makes an appearance in many of the pictures in this book. Her drawings are the perfect accompaniment to Wishinsky’s tender tale. Recommended.