Who Shares? - Hardcover

PreSchool-Grade 1-This picture book was adapted from the author's It's Mine (Crocodile, 1993; o.p.). When the antics between two siblings result in a broken toy, their mother admonishes them, "Can't you two learn to share?" What follows is a study of the small infractions that these cartoon bunnies regularly inflict on one another. The text makes innocent statements ("At dinner Jack shared his peas with Georgina" or "Georgina shared her bath with Jack"), while the illustrations show what really occurs: peas flung with a fork, water dumped over a head, and neither recipient happy with the results. The old adage, an eye for an eye, rules, and no adult is present to redirect this misguided interpretation of cooperation. Finally, as they both try to occupy one bed, brother and sister begin to feel itchy. Mom once again appears, diagnoses chicken pox, and declares, "Do you two have to share everything?" The last picture shows all three snuggled together in her bed. The pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are the focal point of each page. The characters are somewhat top-heavy with ears as large as their bodies. Their emotions are always easy to read on their oversized round faces. The tone remains sunny throughout, making it clear that the siblings' actions are simply childish pranks not to be taken too seriously. Whether this will reassure readers is questionable.
Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI
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