Almost by Richard Torrey

Jack is almost six. He is also almost a big boy.  Almost ready for a big bike.  Almost able to make his own breakfast.  Almost grown up in so many ways.  The text of the book repeats the fact that he is almost capable of all these things, but the illustrations tell the real story.  Jack fails at each of these, hence the “almost.”  Along the way, he is accompanied on most pages by his older brother whom he is eager to emulate.  The older brother is driven mad by Jack a lot of time, but when he gets hurt he is right there. 

This book cleverly captures the essence of a child eager to be bigger right now.  Nicely, the book also manages to show the point of view of the older sibling at the same time.  And all of this is accomplished with few words, vivid illustrations and plenty of humor.  The illustrations are bright, funny and will work well with a large group. 

Don’t save this one for almost six-year-olds.  Four year olds will be equally enchanted by the book and understand the eagerness to be bigger.  This one would make a great read aloud for a sibling story time or a mixed age group since both sides are portrayed so well.  Appropriate for ages 4-6.