Talking Is Not My Thing

Robbins winningly celebrates the unconditional bond between two animal siblings in this sensitive, matter-of-fact depiction of neurodiversity, a follow-up to Me and My Sister. “I don’t speak, but my brother finds it easy,” opens nonverbal Sister via thought bubble, as she and her brother embark on their nighttime routine. First is dinner, an overwhelmingly noisy affair that leaves Sister wishing she could “turn my ears off.” “But I still like to feel included,” she thinks when her brother invites her to watch TV. After a bathroom break (communicated simply by Sister via flashcard), the siblings play a guessing game (“Purple turtle!” he says, recognizing her drawing), and he reads her a story. Their supportive dynamic continues as they goof around while brushing teeth, tension only introduced when Sister discovers her stuffed bunny is missing. Luckily, a frenzied search of the yard (with Brother wielding a flashlight) saves the day, and the pair head to sleep after a sensory-friendly high five. Employing bright colors and childlike slice-of-life drawings, Robbins successfully portrays a loving family dynamic that takes everyone’s needs into account. Ages 3–7. [em](Sept.) [/em]