One More Year

by Allison Ione Ballenger

Overview

Happy birthday, Sister!

It's terrific to be two!

You don't know of all the magic

that's in store for you ....

There is magic to be found in every moment ... if you just keep looking!

In this colorful tale, a big brother introduces his little sister to the many characters she might encounter with each passing year. From elves in drawers to mighty dragons to snakes that sing sweet songs, there is always something to look forward to-and plenty of fun to have in the meantime.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781735728094
Publisher:	Warren Publishing NC
Publication date:	10/20/2020
Pages:	28
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.25(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Allison Ione Ballenger has always loved silly stories. Growing up as the youngest of three children, she was the perfect audience for her older siblings' hijinks and tall tales. They taught her to always be on the lookout for magic, which is a gift she hopes to pass along to her readers today.

Allison holds a BA in literature from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. She currently lives in Cary, North Carolina.

Editorial Reviews

2020-12-08
A brother spins fanciful tales on his younger sister’s birthday in this debut picture book.

Every year on her birthday, a boy tells his sister about a magical being. But he explains she will have to wait until her next birthday to meet this figure. For example, on her second birthday, he tells her she will greet “the wise old wizard in the tree” when she turns 3 years old. But on the girl’s third birthday, the boy asserts that the wizard “had to flee” and she won’t see him. This pattern repeats for several birthdays as the brother describes beings his sister will encounter, including an elf, a dragon, and a fairy. Ultimately, the boy says she won’t meet them after all. Though she is upset, he encourages her to be imaginative: “Enjoy each day that’s here. There’s so much magic we can make through every passing year.” The kids, who have light skin, are shown celebrating. Some youngsters may feel frustrated as the girl becomes distraught by her brother’s tales. Still, the message to enjoy each other’s company is relatable. Ballenger’s story offers lively, creative imagery. Aguilera’s whimsical illustrations are charming and fun. They feature the siblings as well as the brother’s scenarios in bright colors and textured details. Some include subtext. For example, the last page depicts the siblings as older people in front of a birthday cake surrounded by the brother’s magical figures.

A playful story that siblings will appreciate.

Kirkus Reviews