As Lola's latest outing begins, she's on the brink of big-sisterhood; after her brother is born, he monopolizes much of their parents' time, although Lola is never without a smile and an offer of help. The sibling dynamic may seem idealistic, but McQuinn makes it endearing; Beardshaw's acrylics, which depict nursing, diaper changing, and potty sitting, are homey and sweet.

Bibliophile Lola has no trouble adjusting to her role as big sister in this warm slice-of-life story about a little girl welcoming her new baby brother. While many new baby books are dominated by an older sibling's jealousy over an attention-hogging infant, Lola delights in Leo's arrival. Prior titles about this book-loving child (Lola Loves Stories, 2010, and Lola at the Library, 2006) set the stage for how she engages with Leo--through books, of course. She brings him a "soft book for his crib" when she meets him at the hospital, reads to him when he cries "to cheer him up" and shares theme-appropriate titles during diaper changes (a potty book), baths (a duck story) and naptime (a sleepy story). Although busy adjusting to parenting two children instead of just one, Lola's mother and father reward her with a story at the end of each day since she is "the best big sister of all." It's refreshing to see this time-worn theme addressed in a story that just happens to be about a family comprised of people of color, as warm, acrylic portraits depict mother, father, Lola and Leo as a book-loving, close-knit joyful crew. A welcome edition about a welcome addition. (Picture book. 2-6)

PreS Lola, who loves libraries, now "reads" to her new brother. She steps up to her big-sister role by cheering Leo up with a story when he is crying, telling him a duck tale at bath time, and sharing a book while their mother is breastfeeding. The simple text reflects Lola's point of view, and acrylic paintings bring homey details to warm youngsters' hearts. Lola mimics Mom's pregnancy belly, joins Dad in welcoming Leo at the hospital, and sweetly hovers over the baby's daily rituals. This gentle celebration of family promotes reading and the pleasures of being an older sibling. Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA