Jess Was the Brave One

Courage comes in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes turns up when least expected. Claire is often in awe of her seemingly fearless younger sister Jess--who watches scary movies on TV without hiding her eyes, doesn't flinch when the doctor gives her a shot, and always climbs to the high branches in the backyard tree. But when some big kids from the neighborhood kidnap Jess's beloved pink teddy bear, she is paralyzed with fright. Claire and her active imagination bravely come to the rescue. The text's matter-of-fact tone builds a credible case for Claire's admiration of her younger sister, and the siblings' dialogue is right on target. Wilson's ( Daniel's Dog ) realistic, softly hued paintings glow with familial warmth even when the sisters are at odds with each other. The myriad, deftly depicted facial expressions are a perfect match for the girls' shifting moods. Another engaging touch: the Pooh-like pencil drawings of Jess's teddy bear on the left-hand page of each spread. Ages 3-8. (Mar.)