Big Panda, Little Panda

Big Panda, Little Panda

From Booklist Ages 3-6. Mom Panda has always told Little Panda that he's the best-looking little panda in the world. Then a new little panda is born, and old Little Panda becomes Big Panda. Mom thinks new Little Panda is cute, and although she praises Big Panda for helping out, she's too tired to be much fun. When Big Panda tries to sleep in his old baby bed, Mom decides a day of forest fun is needed, and Big Panda decides that Little Panda can be a playmate. The bamboo forest is in keeping with the Chinese backdrop, but the decor of the pandas' house is an amalgamation of Chinese and early Fisher Price. Even so, children will recognize the sibling scenario and be pleased by the acknowledgment given the older panda's displacement. Mary Harris Veeder Full-color artwork by the illustrator of Animal Poems highlights the tale of Little Panda, who discovers that he comes to like being Big Panda to his baby sister. From Kirkus Reviews Once a new Little Panda is born, Mom begins to call the former Little Panda ``Big Panda,'' a role he gladly assumes. But though he pitches in with baby care and other chores, the new Big Panda misses the special attention he used to enjoy; he also notices that both he and his mother are tired. A playful day's outing with Little Panda cheers them both, though they're weary afterwards; and Big Panda discovers that, when Mom is too exhausted to read to him, he can read to his baby sister. Stimson's simple narrative nicely clarifies these human feelings in panda terms; but best here are the appealing illustrations of bright-eyed, pillow-soft pandas going about their very human activities. A good addition to a tirelessly augmented genre. (Picture book. 3-7) -- Copyright