gracegreenlaw's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic book about the perks and challenges of having siblings and learning to put others first.
dcervantes1989's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
katy_irene's review against another edition
4.0
A universal story of sibling rivalry with a strong emotional punch. The Big Red Lollipop is one of those beautiful stories that doesn't give away all its secrets until the very last page. The story is straight from Kahn's childhood, so it features a Pakistani family living in Canada. Rubina, as the oldest of three sisters, acts as a cultural interpreter for her Ami (mother). She explains what a birthday party is and inherently understands that you should not ask if your little sister Sana can come too. It gets worse. Sana is bratty at the party and then steals Rubina's big red lollipop!
It's a story most children (and all siblings) will identify with regardless of their gender, age, or culture. Kahn's sophisticated text takes it to the next level. A lot is left for readers to infer, and I love that. Time passes and the girls age. But the story doesn't drag or seemed rushed. Because it is ultimately a story of forgiveness, I think it would work best with the older picture book crowd.
Blackwell's muted illustrations are gorgeous. I really like the way she depicts movement with lines, especially on the musical chairs spread. The facial expressions on the family's faces are spot on and really natural. Rubina has the best glare ever. So many wonderful artistic touches that don't take the focus away from the story or visually overwhelm the reader.
It's a story most children (and all siblings) will identify with regardless of their gender, age, or culture. Kahn's sophisticated text takes it to the next level. A lot is left for readers to infer, and I love that. Time passes and the girls age. But the story doesn't drag or seemed rushed. Because it is ultimately a story of forgiveness, I think it would work best with the older picture book crowd.
Blackwell's muted illustrations are gorgeous. I really like the way she depicts movement with lines, especially on the musical chairs spread. The facial expressions on the family's faces are spot on and really natural. Rubina has the best glare ever. So many wonderful artistic touches that don't take the focus away from the story or visually overwhelm the reader.
mrsbond's review against another edition
4.0
I have to admit that I nearly tossed this book aside in fury about 3/4 of the way through. Glad I didn't, because all of my issues were resolved in a very good way.
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
3.0
Cultural differences? Family differences? A pretty good story showing bratty siblings. But I really wouldn't want to reread. Not bad though.
lorenadh27's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't really like this book on its own. Felt a bit all over the place and didn't meet any of my mental criteria for a good children's book. That being said, if you watch the author read the book (there's a video on YouTube) it's really good! I think this is a fantastic story that doesn't make a good book.
aprilthelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
This story has beautiful artwork, and focus especially on the relationship of young sisters.
speterson47's review against another edition
4.0
It isn't always easy to get along with your siblings, but sometimes it can seem impossible. This is a good story for bringing up discussion on how to deal with situations that might not always seem like they have a solution. The cultural differences between the family and the experiences they are currently having with birthday parties can also bring up a good discussion about the fact that we do not all have the same experience.
rhodesee's review against another edition
2.0
I know I'm supposed to like this book more. I can see the reasons why I should like this book more and I appreciate it's message about cultural differences and the immigrant experience but it just makes me so angry. I am willing to admit that perhaps my experience with this book is colored by the fact that I am the oldest child but I think that anyone can see and feel how unfairly Rubina is treated. The story is very well written, because I viscerally felt Rubina's frustration and anger at the utter unfairness of the situation, and for that and the illustrations it gets 2.5 stars. I just want to hug Rubina and tell her that she is special and that she deserves nice things that are only hers. Also, some people are simply not worthy of forgiveness. That is not to say that Sana, a literal child, isn't worthy of it but a book is not deserving of praise just because it has a message of forgiveness. Sana (and by extension Ami) has done nothing to earn forgiveness, she never had to take her little sister to a party she wasn't invited to. Rubina is just being taught to let people take advantage of her and that makes me sad for her.