The Bossier Baby

In The Boss Baby, Frazee compared first-time parenthood to life under a tiny, bald corporate chief in a one-piece suit. Every bit as funny as its predecessor, this sequel presents the dramatic shake-up after the arrival of the Boss Baby’s infant sister, who “restructure[s] the organization... from the top down.” The new CEO accessorizes her black onesie with a string of chewable pearls, carries an Etch-a-Sketch like a laptop, and “was bossier than the Boss Baby had ever been. Which seems impossible.” The demoted Boss Baby glowers as “the staff” dotes on the CEO and ignores his attention-seeking behavior. Frazee excels at locating the humor in trying situations in her always lovely pencil-and-gouache artwork, picturing the independent toddler stripping naked and peeing on a bed of flowers while his oblivious parents coo at the CEO in her fancy stroller, aka “the private limo.” Elder siblings and parents alike will recognize the tensions that come with a growing family, and the just-sweet-enough resolution proves that this CEO knows how to negotiate a takeover with savvy. Up to age 8. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Nov.)