That's My Sweater!

July 1, 2022
Olivia doesn't want to give up her favorite sweater. The only time Olivia is ever away from her red-striped sweater is when it takes a spin in the washing machine. But as Olivia grows, her sweater stays the same size, and eventually it's given to her little brother. Despite her persistent attempts at getting it back, she eventually realizes that the same sweater actually once belonged to her older sibling. In a sweet and funny ending, Olivia lovingly shares the red-striped sweater with her little brother--and welcomes another hand-me-down from her big sibling. Von Innerebner's illustrations rely on a limited palette of salmon and red, sage blue, black, and white--an effective choice that allows Olivia's sweater to pop on every page. Olivia is expressive, every feeling plain on her face. There are plenty of details to notice, like the tattoos on Olivia's mom's arms and family photos and posters on the walls. The message is gentle but clear: Growing up often means growing pains, physical and emotional. Watching Olivia struggle shows young readers that it's OK to be frustrated, angry, and even sad while growing up and moving on. The little winks toward adult readers add to the appeal, too. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Fantastic illustrations and a relatable story. (Picture book. 4-6)

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October 1, 2022

PreS-Gr 2-A beautiful, scarlet-striped sweater is prized by Olivia, a girl who takes wearing it very seriously. Olivia brings her sweater everywhere she goes, even to the bathroom. The sweater and Olivia are like two peas in a pod, until the day comes when the sweater no longer fits, and she discovers it on her little drooly brother. Determined to get the sweater back, Olivia employs some creativity to get it off her younger sibling. In doing this, she learns that the prized possession once belonged to her older brother, who also loved it before he outgrew it. Surprised that her beloved item is a hand-me-down, Olivia develops a new attitude. White, red, and teal are the dominant colors used for the illustrations. Each character is drawn with expressions that are sure to delight even the youngest children and certainly lend themselves to discussions about feelings and sharing. The story is conveyed in speech bubbles and narrative text in fonts of a variety of sizes and shapes. VERDICT An endearing addition to libraries; a tale that showcases how learning to share is an important part of growing up.-Tracy Cronce

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