A Crinkled Screaming Thing
The birth of a new baby is a life-changing event for all the family, but in particular for older siblings as they must learn to adjust to a new routine, sharing parental attention and affection. Told from the perspective of the baby, Tagholm’s story is a realistic, yet positive account of life with a newborn, making a fitting picturebook to gift to a young child to prepare them for becoming a big brother or sister.
This story celebrates the vital role that an older sibling (Small Big One) plays in helping their infant brother or sister (Crinkled Screaming Thing) acclimatise to our multi-sensory world. The tone of the book is one of reassurance and acceptance. The older child acknowledges and allays the infant’s fears by highlighting the positive in each situation they experience together. The emotional development of the infant comes full circle when they, in turn, become the older sibling to a newborn.
Wright’s playful images showcase the loving bond between Small Big One and Crinkled Screaming Thing. Young readers will be very familiar with the activities illustrated in the book – mealtimes, visits to the park and bathtime. Wright’s clever use of colour highlights the contrasting energy in a busy household of infants and preschoolers. She juxtaposes the bright yellow tones of the lively baby with the calming blue colours of the older sibling. Her front and end paper illustrations show how the newborn has evolved into a happy toddler.
A touching tribute to siblings.
