Author: Kevin Henkes

Grades: Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st

Synopsis: At first, big sister Lilly thought it might be fun to have a new baby in the family. But when her parents repeatedly coo, “Julius is the baby of world,” Lilly’s mouse hackles begin to rise. She delights in insulting her oblivious baby brother: “If you were a food, you’d be a raisin,” she whispers into his crib. “If you were a number you’d be zero.” When she paints an elaborate family portrait, she leaves Julius out. When she throws a tea party, guess which baby doesn’t get an invitation? But when a visiting cousin starts insulting baby Julius, we discover that the flip side of Lilly’s intense jealousy is an even more powerful and lasting loyalty.

Debrief Questions:

• How did Lily feel about Julius? Do you have family members or friends that sometimes make you feel jealous?
• Did Lily’s actions help to make her feel less jealous? Why or why not?
• Why do you think Lily changed her mind about Julius? Why did she speak up for him in the end?