Alphonse, That Is Not OK to Do!

October 1, 2016
Its tough having a little brother, even if youre a monster.Once there was Natalie, a little red monster with big bulging eyes. And then, there was Alphonse too, bright blue and about half her size. Natalie doesnt mind Alphonse, mostly. They sit companionably in Moms lap to listen to a story. They like to name the pigeons together and love making things. But sometimes Alphonse gets carried away, drawing on things that Natalie has madeeven eating them. Natalie hates that. One day she finds him under the bunk beds eating her favorite book. ALPHONSE, THAT IS NOT OK TO DO! she shouts. When Alphonse timidly suggests that maybe they could fix the book (with jam), Natalie puts her fingers in her ears so that she cant hear him, then goes for her bath. While shes in the tub, she hears a series of strange noises: a roaring tornado, / screeching beasts, and a thousand glass peas raining from the sky. Natalie finds Alphonse in his room, sad and exhausted. All the noises that she heard were his outlandish attempts to fix the book. Her only question: Are you hurt? Hirsts screen-printed illustrations, bright primary palette, simple text, and even her bespoke, faux hand-printed typeface (WB Natalie Alphonse) suggest the work of a young child, giving her simple tale an authentic charm. Sweet and effective. (Picture book. 3-6)

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December 1, 2016

PreS-K-"Once there was Natalie. And then, there was Alphonse too." Now Natalie has to deal with the ups and downs of life with a younger brother. Sometimes it's fun; other times it's challenging. One day, when everything already seems to be going wrong, Natalie finds Alphonse eating her favorite book. Frustrated, she draws an angry picture, puts her fingers in her ears, and tries to calm down. That's when things really get out of control! Natalie imagines her picture coming to life and worries that things are not OK. The large, colorful illustrations are simple and captivating. Natalie and Alphonse are endearing, expressive little monsters. The older sister resembles a red salamander, while her brother looks a lot like a blue bunny with three pointed teeth. Parents will appreciate the respectful language Natalie uses with her little brother, even when she is displeased with him. In the end, Alphonse is remorseful, Natalie is forgiving, and the conclusion is sweet and happy. VERDICT This charming story about the frustrations of life with a younger sibling is recommended for most collections.-Gaye Hinchliff, King County Library System, WA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 19, 2016
Natalie and Alphonse are a pair of monster siblings—she has frilly ears and webbed feet, while he has rabbit ears and pointy teeth—but they live and act like ordinary children. Their home is an apartment with bunk beds and a big green chair, and they love each other—except when younger brother Alphonse munches absently on Natalie’s things. When she finds him eating her favorite book, she makes a fearsome drawing featuring “a tornado, two beasts, a swarm of peas, and Alphonse, very small.” But while she’s in the bath, sounds from the other side of the door sound as though Natalie’s threatening drawing has come to life. Alphonse is all right, and he shows Natalie her drawing, which he’s transformed with some lighthearted additions. There’s no moralizing in this tale of siblings on a collision course, written with a gossamer touch. Instead, Hirst (The Girl with the Parrot on Her Head) lets the two children work things out for themselves and offers the idea that drawing isn’t just child’s play, but a place where powerful emotions can be confronted and resolved. Ages 2–5.