Sam's New Sister - (Tales from the Craft Box) by Michelle Olson (Hardcover)

About the Book

A heartwarming picture book about sibling rivalry, jealousy, and bonding as big brother Sam learns to love his new sister. Perfect for kids adjusting to a new baby or dealing with sibling fighting.

Book Synopsis

Will Sam's jealousy keep him from seeing his new sister as anything more than trouble?

Life in the craft box hasn't been the same since baby Maggie arrived. The other buttons only seem to notice her, leaving Sam feeling completely invisible. No one watches his fancy scooter tricks or admires his latest artwork. They're even upset that he won't share his favorite toy!

It's classic sibling rivalry-and Sam doesn't like how it feels. Adjusting to a new baby is harder than he thought! Running away sounds scary...but maybe it's the only way to escape Maggie-unless she follows him first. When his little sister gets herself into danger, Sam, the reluctant big brother, must find his courage and discover what bonding really means.

Filled with humor, heart, and a touch of sibling fighting turned friendship, Sam's New Sister is a tender picture book about jealousy, change, and the love that grows between brothers and sisters.

Perfect for fans of I Used to Be Famous, The New Small Person, and Lulu and Zoey: A Sister Story, this story of adjusting to a new baby reminds young readers that family love always finds a way.

🏆 Winner of a 2023 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award

★ "A cleverly told tale on a familiar theme." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★ "The message that families need each other-and that change isn't always scary-hits home." - BookLife

Review Quotes

A button learns that being a big brother is a big deal in Olson's picture book.

Sam is used to being the littlest button in the craft box. Sometimes that's a pain, but it also means Sam gets a lot of

attention for being the smallest. When a new, smaller button-Maggie-is adopted, Sam is frustrated: Maggie copies him,

tries to do things that are too advanced for her, and steals his favorite toy. Sam has no choice-he has to run away. But

when Maggie follows him and almost gets swallowed up by the vacuum cleaner, Sam swings to the rescue ("Sam realized

his sister needed a responsible button to look after her"). New mission established, Sam learns that there are benefits to

no longer being the smallest button in the box. Olson's clever combination of photographed elements and digital drawings

and focus on younger characters will strongly appeal to her readers. She never packs too many words into the page, and

her sentences are simple, letting her art do the heavy lifting of telling the story (Sam's epic rescue, depicted on a wordless

two-page spread, feels both heroic and giggle-worthy). Sam's emotions about being a big sibling are familiar ones, and his

journey from jealous grouch to role model resonates. Maggie is never villainized; she's just young, giving Sam the chance

to grow up gracefully.

A cleverly told tale on a familiar theme. -Kirkus Reviews (starred review)