Just Add One Chinese Sister
by Patricia McMahon and Conor Clarke McCarthy (authors)
Karen A. Jerome (Illustrator)
From School Library JournalPreSchool-Grade 4 - This story of an American family's adoption of a Chinese toddler is storytelling at its finest. The narration in two voices begins as the mother shares a scrapbook she compiled with Claire. Big brother Conor reveals his thoughts through journal entries printed in italics in the wide right margins. The omnipresent dog is a humorous and appealing fourth presence. The composition mimics a scrapbook, with multiple images on a page (sometimes designed as photographs) and other travel paraphernalia, e.g., ticket stubs, receipts, and postcards. Jerome's imaginative approach to color and style attracts and sustains interest. A snowy scene in China is impressionistic, bathed in purple. Family scenes are highly saturated with vivid color blends and dramatic contrasts between light and dark areas. The generous white space and lean text allow readers to pace themselves through the moving emotional content. Author and artist are equally adept at creating multidimensional portraits of the children. Conor is, by turn, curious (about how to become a brother), worried, patient, frustrated, and annoyed, but ultimately elated. It is his antics playing "Hotel Ball" with a sock that elicit his sister's first laugh. Claire registers the anxiety of a toddler leaving familiar territory, the giggly countenance of play, shyness in the face of the second round of relatives, and naughtiness when she's comfortable in her new role. All children will recognize and empathize with these delightful people. - Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library
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