My Sister Celia

Emma always says, ""My sister Celia is the best sister in the whole wide world.'' Every weekend they spend a day together, coloring, drinking ``coffee'' (Emma's is really hot chocolate); every year they watch The Wizard of Oz on television with Mama. Then Celia brings Ben home on Emma's special days. Emma's best friend Debbie says, ``I think Celia is getting married.'' Emma refuses to believe it, but it's true. Celia comes through for Emma, thoughshe gives her a pair of Dorothy-like ruby red slippers to wear at the wedding, and she winks at Emma when she comes down the aisle. The picture book audience now has its own version of Member of the Wedding and Sister of the Bride, as the author of the Molly Pink stories shows that changes are often bittersweet and sometimes welcome (Emma's nephew is born the next year). Jolly watercolors portray everything from Emma's fearful glances at Ben to the final blessed event. (5-8)