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THE BESTEST BIG BROTHER, EVER

Name: THE BESTEST BIG BROTHER, EVER
Author: Ben Mantle
ISBN: 9781536245073

by Ben Mantle ; illustrated by Ben Mantle ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 7, 2025

An entertainingly energetic, thoroughly realistic capsule of siblings who “are best friends…most of the time.”

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Even the toughest squabbles can’t (permanently) harm the special bond between siblings.

Nano and Felix are “best friends”—at least younger sibling Nano thinks so. They “do EVERYTHING together,” but sometimes Felix needs a little space. When Nano claims they’re being “artists from the future,” Felix (rightfully) complains that Nano ruined his picture: “MOOOOOOM! Look what Nano has done!” After tracking Felix outside to the tree house, Nano is shocked to find a “NO Nanos allowed” sign. With little choice, Nano goes solo: “FINE! I’m going to build my own tree house!” But when rain and wind prove overwhelming, Nano’s mounting cries of “Help, Felix!” go unanswered. Suddenly, Felix goes from “bestest big brother” to “WORST big brother…ever!” At least until Felix manages to convince Nano that he is the bestest after all. English author/illustrator Mantle captures an all-too-common family situation—siblings (particularly the elder) needing space—with empathic authenticity and inviting humor. His text holds inventive whimsy: “totally grape” (code for “really great”), “LAVA CAVES OF DOOOOOM!,” “fancy-pants umbrella house.” The “pitta-patta,” “plink-plonk,” and “blip-blop-blopping” of the never-ending rain provide a syncopated soundtrack throughout. His riotous, vibrant art fills every page, with his details—Nano’s missing sock, the children’s skinned knees, hanging cans and CDs adorning the trees in the yard—gloriously typifying childhood. Both siblings have peachy skin; Felix sports black curls, while Nano has orange locks.

An entertainingly energetic, thoroughly realistic capsule of siblings who “are best friends…most of the time.” (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Oct. 7, 2025

ISBN: 9781536245073

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Candlewick

Review Posted Online: Aug. 16, 2025

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2025

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY

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THE TOWER AT THE END OF TIME
by Amy Sparkes ; illustrated by Ben Mantle

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THE HOUSE AT THE EDGE OF MAGIC
by Amy Sparkes ; illustrated by Ben Mantle

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BUNNIES IN A SLEIGH
by Philip Ardagh ; illustrated by Ben Mantle

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THERE'S A ROCK CONCERT IN MY BEDROOM

by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2022

Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.

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Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.

Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: March 29, 2022

ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin

Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

- BOOK REVIEW
THERE'S A BEACH IN MY BEDROOM
by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson

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I GOT YOU

by Derrick Barnes ; illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 15, 2025

Brotherly love and Black joy abound in this brilliantly told tribute to the ties that bind.

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When Mom and Dad bring baby Rasheed home for the first time, it’s love at first sight for big brother Anthony.

As the boys grow, Anthony teaches his little sibling how to build a tower with blocks (and how to knock it down with a loud “WHOP!!!”), how to ride a bike, and even how to fly (through a well-timed leap from the swings). When thunder and lightning wake them both one night, Anthony assuages Rasheed’s fears with the book’s titular refrain: “I got you.” But one day Anthony goes for a bike ride with his friends, leaving Rasheed alone and hurt. That night, Anthony explains that while he may spend time with his peers, his bond with Rasheed is unbreakable. And as the book comes to a close, with Mom and Dad introducing the boys to their new little sibling, Anthony leaves Rasheed with perhaps the greatest lesson of all: how to be a supportive big brother himself. Narrated by Rasheed, Barnes’ text is elegant in its simplicity, loving yet never saccharine, and always emotionally honest. Using varied perspectives, Knight-Justice’s richly hued, collagelike digital illustrations combine a patchwork of textures and patterns, immersing readers in this affectionate Black family’s world. Greens and blues dominate the pages, bringing to life an idyllic suburban setting.

Brotherly love and Black joy abound in this brilliantly told tribute to the ties that bind. (Picture book. 4-8)