Julius, the Baby of the World
Lilly calls Julius insulting names and resists her parents' admiration until a visiting cousin criticizes him; her immediate defense reveals loyalty without pretending the earlier jealousy never existed. The reversal grows from sibling ownership as much as affection.
Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes is estimated to take about 11.5 minutes to read aloud (1,087 words, 3 sentences a spread). Best for ages 4-6.
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- Estimated read-aloud time
- about 11.5 minutesEstimated read-aloud time
- Words
- 1,087Word count
- Sentences per spread
- 3Text density
- Re-read tolerance
- 4/5repeat friendly
- Vocabulary level
- 4/5stretching
- Best for
- Ages 4-6Age range
Our review
The book allows Lilly to remain impressively unpersuaded by adult celebration of Julius. Her songs, signs and comments make jealousy active rather than politely hidden. The decisive change comes when Cousin Garland attacks Julius: Lilly can resent him herself and still refuse to let an outsider do the same.
Peter's Chair ties displacement to furniture that has been reassigned and lets Peter discover physically that he has outgrown it. Julius is louder, longer and more contradictory. It suits an older child who can hold affection and hostility together, while its comic treatment of mean behavior deserves discussion rather than imitation.
Before you buy it
Lilly's cruelty is played for comedy and persists through much of the book. Peter's Chair offers a gentler route from displaced possessions to voluntary accommodation.
Themes
- jealousy
- siblings
- loyalty
- mice
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Lists Julius, the Baby of the World is on
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