School Library Journal Review
PreS-Two-year-old Sophie uses her own language upon the arrival of "a brand new pink nosed baby." As Mama and Daddy try to settle in with a toddler and a newborn, Sophie rebels in her own way, creating made-up words. Granny is called in to rescue the frazzled parents, and it is Granny, speaking her granddaughter's pretend language, who helps Sophie become the hero, calming her crying sister with Sophie's words. As the story progresses, her parents disagree about the baby's name. "Amber," says her father. "'We decided on Ashleigh,' said Mama." But it's Sophie who knows what the baby wants to be called, and she is named Jane. Wells's colorful artwork features an assortment of patterns and detail, giving the home a cozy, lived-in look, and the facial expressions capture the frustrations of both parents and Sophie, who can be seen grimacing and rolling her eyes. Another winner from Wells.-Gwen Collier, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Sophie the mouse gains a baby sister in her third outing, and her response to this intrusion involves showing off her inner polyglot, whether it's her command of "Jellyfish language" ("Jubbabubba," she babbles, rolling on the floor) or her decision to sing "the Baboon national anthem in her bed as loud as she could possibly sing" when both girls are put down for naps. Wells remains a master of conveying intense emotions through subtly funny writing, smartly observed situations (in the background, Sophie's parents debate baby names), and emotionally telegraphic art-Sophie's narrowed eyes broadcast so much disdain it's downright chilling. Up to age 3. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.