About This Book
Reach for this book when your older child is feeling overlooked or invisible following the arrival of a new baby. It is an ideal choice for the child who expresses their frustration through acting out or 'disgusting' behavior, providing a humorous outlet for the very real sting of sibling rivalry. The story follows Denzil, who feels so forgotten by his parents that he considers running away. However, the narrative takes a delightful turn when he realizes his new baby sister is just as messy and 'monstrous' as he is, sparking a unique and prideful bond. At 48 pages with a manageable chapter structure, this book is perfect for early elementary readers (ages 5 to 8) who are transitioning into longer stories. It uses humor and mild gross-out elements to normalize feelings of jealousy and loneliness without being overly sentimental. Parents will appreciate how it shifts the perspective from competition for attention to a shared identity between siblings, making the new addition feel like an ally rather than an intruder.
