Product Description

The riotously funny Lilly, last seen in Chester's Way (Greenwillow), thinks her new baby brother, Julius, is disgusting -- if he was a number, he would be zero. But when Cousin Garland dares to criticize Julius, Lilly bullies her into loudly admiring Julius as the baby of the world.Lilly knows her baby brother is nothing but dreadful -- until she claims him for her own. "Henkes displays a deep understanding of sibling rivalry and a child's fragile self-esteem....Lilly is a superb and timely heroine." -- Publishers Weekly. "

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #48065 in Books
• Published on: 1995-09-21
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

From Amazon.com
For children who are facing the arrival of a new sibling, Julius, the Baby of the World makes for great biblio-therapy. 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. Soon the jealousy is too much for her, and she embarks on a rejection campaign that is hysterically funny, but also comforting for siblings who probably feel just as much resentment but would never go to Lilly's extremes. Kevin Henkes, creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse refuses to shy away from the truly powerful and sometimes dark feelings of children. Through bright watercolors and handwritten, cartoon-style dialogue, Henkes relishes Lilly's wickedness. For example, 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. ALA Notable Book, ALA Booklist Children's Editors' Choice, Horn Book Fanfare Honor List, Parent's Choice Honor for Literature. (Baby to Preschool) --Gail Hudson

From Publishers Weekly
PW commended Henkes for displaying "a deep understanding of sibling rivalry and a child's fragile self-esteem" in this hilarious and refreshing twist on the familiar theme of a new baby in the family. Ages 3-up.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-This delightful reading of Kevin Henkes' book (HarperCollins, 1990) about sibling rivalry will please even the most reluctant new "big" brothers or sisters. Henkes' popular heroine, Lilly, is less than thrilled with baby brother Julius's arrival, competing for attention while her parents patiently direct her passive-aggressive anger toward more useful activities. Lilly surprises her audience, as well as herself, when she discovers the love for Julius that she's been hiding. Narrator Laura Hamilton's changes in inflection cleverly portray Lilly's harmless pranks and devilish sense of humor. Further drawing listeners into the text are minimal sound effects and appropriate musical interludes. Paired with Zac Morgan's song "The Cribling" (from When Bullfrogs Croak, Oct. 2003, p. 93), this title would make a wonderful addition to a "new sibling" story hour. An essential purchase for preschool and primary audio collections, it will be useful for emergent readers, group listening, and youngsters with new-siblingitis.-Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

Julius, the Baby of the World
Lilly, an active mouse, stars in Julius, the Baby of the World, by Kevin Henkes.

It stars Lilly who loves Julius. But when he is born she hates him. She hates how her parents kiss his wet pink nose and how they stroke his soft white fur and admire his small black eyes. Lilly has to share her room. They want Julius to grow up big and strong like Lilly. But when her parents aren't looking, Lilly has her own ideas. Lilly's parents are doubtful about leaving them together alone. Lilly scares him and ignores him. Lilly spends more time in the uncooperative chair. Lilly hates him, but her parents love him. She warns her friends about him and other people.

My opinion is if you like a nice humored book with good pictures, this is your book. I love the way the colors work together. So go...get Julius, the Baby of the World.

Sweet Baby Julius
DO NOT be scared of the previous reviewers silly fears about "bad words" in this book. You don't have to be a genius to see that this is a positive book, with an extremely positive message about babies. Plus, it is Kevin Henkes, and he writes books that kids love, I know, I'm a teacher and if you want your kids to love books, buy them books like this. It's great, and the illustrations are adorable.

Hilarious, charming and a little educational thrown in
One of only a very few children's books that is laugh-out-loud funny for adults. For the kids, the pictures are colorful and charming (as are all Kevin Henkes illustrations) and the lesson in sibling jealously is a good one. I buy this book for all my little friends who are expecting their first younger brother or sister. A gem among the wonderful collection of Kevin Henkes books.