When You’re Older (Sofie Laguna, illus by Judy Watson, A&U Children)
There are many picture books that look at life with a new sibling from the perspective of a young child, probably because these books are regularly requested in bookshops and libraries. When You’re Older is another addition to the genre. Rarely, however, does one so beautifully capture the wild imagination of the older sibling. Sofie Laguna is no stranger to writing for both children and adults, and her award-winning skill is put to work in When You’re Older, while Victorian artist Judy Watson brings the wild imaginings of the older sibling vividly to life. The protagonist in When You’re Older is frustrated at missing adventures they could be having with a baby sibling who, instead, only sleeps and drinks milk. In the older boy’s imagination though, the two brothers explore vast and varied terrains in the future in what is a hopeful, positive spin on having a new sibling. When You’re Older is sure to be loved by newly expanded families, as well as picture book lovers in general.
Michael Earp is a writer, bookseller and the manager of The Little Bookroom.
