The New Small Person – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise
The New Small Person
book2018Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life
82%
WISE Score
4.7
Amazon
Lauren Child nails the big sibling jealousy spiral with humor, honesty, and her signature visual charm—perfect prep for the 'new small person' invasion.
The New Small Person
book
2018, Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life
82%
WISE Score
4.7
Amazon
Lauren Child nails the big sibling jealousy spiral with humor, honesty, and her signature visual charm—perfect prep for the 'new small person' invasion.
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Screenwise Verdict
This is a solid, emotionally intelligent picture book that does one thing really well: it helps kids process sibling jealousy without shame. Lauren Child's visual style keeps it engaging, and the story doesn't rush to force affection—Elmore gets to be annoyed, which is refreshing.
That said, it's pretty niche. If you're expecting a baby or managing new sibling dynamics, this is gold. If not, it's just a nice book that won't have much staying power. The 4.7 Amazon rating and consistent positive parent reviews suggest it delivers exactly what it promises. Not a must-have for every bookshelf, but a smart addition to the new-baby prep kit.
Age Fit
Best for ages 3-7, especially kids who are becoming big siblings or recently did. The emotional content is perfect for preschoolers, and early readers (5-7) can tackle it independently with the large print. Beyond age 7, it skews too young unless you're specifically addressing sibling issues.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88
Handles sibling jealousy with emotional honesty and empathy. Validates Elmore's negative feelings without judgment, then shows a natural shift toward acceptance. Models healthy emotional processing for young children navigating family change. Lauren Child's signature gentle humor keeps the tone warm without being saccharine.
Imaginative
72
Child's distinctive visual style with colorful cartoon illustrations and creative layouts offers visual interest. The premise itself isn't groundbreaking—new sibling stories are common—but the 'small person' framing and Elmore's internal world (his precious things lined up, the jelly-bean collection) give it personality. Invites kids to think about perspective and feelings more than creative play or exploration.
Safe
98
Completely safe for young children. No concerning content, scary elements, or surprises. The 'conflict' is purely emotional—a child feeling displaced—and resolves gently. Perfect for reading aloud without worry about what's on the next page. Books rarely get safer than this.
Enriching
80
Excellent emotional literacy tool for families expecting a new baby or managing sibling dynamics. Helps kids name and normalize jealousy, resentment, and eventual affection. The childlike perspective makes it accessible for preschoolers while offering genuine insight. Big print supports early independent readers. Strong developmental value for its specific purpose, though not broadly enriching beyond that scenario.
Parent Info
✓
Why It Might Be Great
Validates the messy feelings kids have about new siblings without forcing fake enthusiasm—Elmore is allowed to be annoyed
Lauren Child's Charlie & Lola-style illustrations make it visually engaging with big print for early readers
Offers a natural emotional arc from resentment to affection that feels earned, not preachy
Specific details (the jelly-bean licking incident, precious things knocked over) will resonate with any kid who's had to share space
Great conversation starter for families navigating sibling dynamics or preparing for a new baby
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What to Watch For
Very niche appeal—this is specifically a new-sibling book, so if that's not your situation, it won't land as well
The resolution is gentle and brief; some kids might need more processing time or repeated reads
Preschoolers will need it read aloud, though the simple text and illustrations help them follow along easily
Conversation Starters
"How do you think Elmore felt when the small person licked his jelly beans? Have you ever felt like that about sharing?"
"What are your 'precious things' that you'd be upset if someone moved or touched?"
"Why do you think Elmore changed his mind about the small person at the end?"
"If you have a sibling (or are getting one), what's the hardest part about sharing your space? What's a good part?"
