Big Brother Dustin

A boy with Down Syndrome helps his parents and grandparents get ready for the birth of his baby sister and chooses the perfect name for her.

PreSchool-Grade 3. All librarians will want to put this title on their "new baby" bibliographies. Dustin is excited when his parents tell him he will have a new baby sister after the New Year. He eagerly helps his parents ready the nursery and makes a visit to the local hospital to learn about the care of babies. He is also responsible for picking the perfect name for his new sister. This charming introduction to the topic is illustrated with colorful, full-color photographs that capture the everyday world and experiences of young children. According to the CIP, Dustin has Down syndrome. His joy at being a big brother shines in the photos. The book is crisply organized with an easy-to-read text and an appealing snapshot album at the end with pictures of Dustin and MaryAnn as she begins to grow. A welcome addition.?Maura Bresnahan, Topsfield Town Library, MA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Ages 4^-7. Dustin, a young boy with Down syndrome, is excited when he learns that his mother is going to have a baby. Dustin makes it his job to find just the perfect name for his baby sister, but the choices he comes up with are not quite right. It is only when Dustin puts together the names of his grandmothers, Mary and Ann, that he has found the name that pleases everyone. The simple story line is bolstered by appealing, crisp color photographs. Dustin is shown attending a class for new siblings, helping prepare the baby's room, and visiting MaryAnn in the hospital. The last few pages are a scrapbook featuring photos of Dustin and the new baby. The accent is on Dustin as a boy who experiences many of the same emotions as other big-brothers-to-be (though there is not a hint of sibling rivalry), and libraries should find this a useful addition to their collections. Ilene Cooper