Rosie and Buttercup.

Alison Mews is co-ordinator of the Centre for Instructional Services at
Memorial University of Newfoundland.

What older sister hasn’t fantasized about life without her annoying little sister? From the creative team that brought us Suki’s Kimono comes another wonderful picture book about a strong-minded protagonist who follows her instincts.

Rosie is one contented rodent. Her life is perfect, with its dance lessons and pets and adoring parents, and when a new baby sister comes along Rosie is enchanted. However, as Buttercup grows a little older, Rosie’s adoration is tempered by reality. One day, Rosie has had enough and decides to give Buttercup to her sitter, who wisely accepts Buttercup and waits. Of course, solitude quickly loses its appeal, and Rosie goes to surprising lengths to retrieve her little sister. Uegaki has a deft touch in portraying the inevitable sibling rivalry between the imaginative but impulsive Rosie and her sweetly mimicking sister.

With just a few lines, Jorisch imbues plenty of expression on the rodents’ faces so young children will immediately discern the complex emotions Rosie is experiencing. For instance, as she abandons Buttercup and feels “strangely light, like she’d forgotten her schoolbag on the bus,” Jorisch has her walking forward but looking back with the beginnings of guilt evident in the placement of her eyes and position of her mouth. His quirky watercolour images, variously placed against the white backgrounds, have an energy that propels the story forward.

Together, Uegaki and Jorisch have drawn a sympathetic portrait of Rosie, who values her independence but who learns that family is more important. Highly recommended.