Double Trouble for Anna Hibiscus!

Loved this book. I've never read an Anna Hibiscus story before, but I will definitely be looking at them now. In double trouble we hear all about how Anna Hibiscus' world is turned upside down when her mother gives birth to twin bothers. Atinuke tackles the issues surrounding a new baby in the family beautifully. We see how Anna can't cope when everything she is used to doesn't happen as it did and everyone seems to be more interested in the 'double trouble' twins rather than her. I especially loved the big paddy tantrum that Anna has when it all gets too much. If you've had a new baby in the house, you'll know all too well how siblings struggle to adjust to the 'shared love'. But it all turns out well in the end. A big cuddle with papa and the realisation that all her family love her just as they did reassures Anna that everything will be fine; that she really does love these 'double trouble' brothers and wants them to be part of her amazing family. In addition to the gorgeous subject, the African setting is beautiful and Atinuke addresses mixed race families beautifully. When I had my daughter, someone brought me The Small person by Lauren Child to read to my son. But when my next friend has their second baby I'll be buying double trouble for them, as I think this is the perfect book. I'll be recommending this book to our learning mentor team in school to use with children struggling with a new sibling. A fantastically illustrated and told, must-read story. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the collection. Picture book / Ages 5+ / Reviewed by Marie Berry.

Suggested Reading Age 5+