My Sister, Goose

Part sibling story, part leadership handbook, this conversational picture book by Satin Capucilli (The Library Fish) foregrounds a big sister who knows how to channel a younger’s spectacular fashion sense. Signature-style colored pencil illustrations by Yum (A Spoonful of the Sea) focus solely on the sisters, portrayed with pale skin and dark hair, as the elder, Miranda, navigates the daily fashion choices of the younger, known as Goose. Goose’s closet pulls include full-on swimming gear for school (“I really, really love it”) and heeled dress shoes for the playground. With no grown-up in sight, it’s left to Miranda to validate Goose’s enthusiasm, appreciate her creativity, and gently redirect (“What if you wear something over your suit?”) while offering autonomy-preserving praise (“You made a great choice, Goose!”). And when the girls head to the circus, Miranda readily acknowledges that Goose’s sense of style is exactly what the occasion demands, inviting her little sister to play stylist. It’s a slice-of-life portrait of a kid in a position of maturity who somehow knows when to lead, when to follow, and when to let imagination rule the day. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Liza Voges, Eden Street. Illustrator’s agent: Sean McCarthy, Sean McCarthy Literary. (Apr.)