Julius: the Baby of the World

written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes

ages: pre-reader through age 8

Before Julius is born, Lilly is a wonderful big sister. She shares with him and tells him secrets. But after the baby, things change for Lilly. Lilly begins to pinch his tail and say ugly things to him in his crib. Her parents even say that Julius is, "the baby of the world." Of course, Lilly thinks that this is, in her own words, disgusting. Lilly has her own ideas of how to get rid of Julius: she tries learning magic to make him disappear, ignoring him, and even scaring him with her clever disguises. Needless to say, Lilly spends a lot of time in the uncooperative chair. It isn't until her parents throw a party in Julius's honor and her cousin Garland remarks on his "slimy nose...beady eyes...and stinky fur" that Lilly begins to rethink her baby brother.

Julius: the Baby of the World is the perfect book for any family expecting a baby. Henkes demonstrates his understanding of the struggles of children and of sibling rivalry. The endearing Lilly has spirit and spunk. Look for her in Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse and Lilly's Big Day. Wildy funny and clever, both parent and child will enjoy the humor and delightful illustrations that Henkes creates.