Best Big Sister Ever! (Angelina Ballerina)

BEST BIG SISTER EVER! is a charming new Angelina Ballerina chapter book about the first day of school and sisterhood. Angelina and Polly are both about to have their first day of school. While Angelina cannot wait to get back to class and her friends, Polly is feeling very shy and nervous about starting at preschool for the first time. As they both begin their days, Polly is struggling, but she luckily sees Angelina on the playground, who helps her to learn to make friends and puts on a ballet for her class to help make her first day very special.

What I loved: This was an overall really sweet story about sisters and the first day of school. While some children will be excited to begin school like Angelina, others will feel very nervous and shy like Polly, which will resonate with young readers. Even if they are not nervous, they can definitely remember how it feels to have it all be new. The connection between the sisters really comes across in the story as each chapter bounces between what they are doing with their day at school. With a little bit of love and attention, Angelina makes Polly's first day into something really special.

The font is large and clear throughout, which will help early chapter book readers. Illustrations appear on each page spread in black and white, which helps to bring the story to life. While some spreads are vastly words, there are others with larger pictures to help take up the space. This will work best for children who are really gaining confidence in reading but still love to see what is happening along the way. The illustrations are in the typical, detailed Angelina style, which is great for fans.

What left me wanting more: As a small thing, it would have been helpful to see a bit more connection between the sisters at key points. As the book is currently, their conversations are very brief and without more specific tips or discussions, but this does keep it very light and happy overall.

Final verdict: BEST BIG SISTER EVER! is a charming Angelina Ballerina chapter book about the first day of school and sisterhood. Recommend for children who are gaining confidence with reading but still enjoy illustrated chapter book reads.