The New Small Person
Elmore's baby brother touches his possessions, shares his room and receives adult attention before a frightening night allows the brothers to become allies; connection follows sustained resentment rather than replacing it immediately.
The New Small Person by Lauren Child is estimated to take about 8.5 minutes to read aloud (752 words, 2 sentences a spread). Best for ages 4-6.
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- Estimated read-aloud time
- about 8.5 minutesEstimated read-aloud time
- Words
- 752Word count
- Sentences per spread
- 2Text density
- Re-read tolerance
- 4/5repeat friendly
- Vocabulary level
- 3/5a few new words
- Best for
- Ages 4-6Age range
Our review
Elmore values the order and ownership of only-child life, so the baby's intrusions are specific: sweets, belongings, bedroom and parental attention. The nighttime turn works because the younger child can do something for Elmore, shifting him from burden to companion.
Julius, the Baby of the World lets Lilly attack the baby's status until an outsider criticizes him. The New Small Person is quieter and more spatial, useful when sharing objects and rooms is the real problem. Its earned connection does not mean jealousy disappears after one kind moment.
Before you buy it
The sibling is repeatedly called a 'small person,' and reconciliation arrives through one crisis. Julius, the Baby of the World keeps the older child's hostility more comic and public.
Themes
- siblings
- jealousy
- sharing a room
- only children
Books like The New Small Person
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Lists The New Small Person is on
- 8 booksBooks About Being a Big Brother or Big SisterChoose a sibling story by the question it answers: what will change, why a familiar object is being passed on, how a baby takes attention or what an older child can do.
11 booksPreschool Books About FamilyChoose a family story by the relationship or change you want to explore: being cared for, welcoming someone new, being apart or saying goodbye.