My Baby Sister is a Diplodocus

Translated by Daniel Hahn, Aurore Petit’s landscape-formatted picture book offers a visually bold and honest exploration of sibling relationships. Through the lens of a young boy trying to understand his place and role when his baby sister arrives, Petit skilfully addresses universal themes of adjustment and acceptance in the face of new family dynamics, making for a resonant narrative presented in a format made for sharing.

The picture book chronicles a brother’s initial excitement upon welcoming his newborn sister into their home. Petit expertly manipulates perspective, often setting the lens at the boy’s eye level, subtly obscuring the parents’ faces and emotions. Through gentle visuals, we witness the boy’s blend of excitement and cautious curiosity towards the new addition. Initially, his attempts to engage with his sister are met with parental intervention, resulting in repeated rejections of ‘No!’. As communication falters, so does his enthusiasm, culminating in a moment of emotional upheaval where he retreats to his bedroom, donning a dinosaur costume. It’s only then that his parents grasp his need for understanding and provide the comfort he craves. Reunited as a family, the boy embraces his sister anew, naming her his ‘little diplodocus’ and inviting her into his inner world, eager for the day when they can explore it together.

The deceptively simple and vibrant style, accentuated by bright pink lettering, suggests a target audience of younger readers. Particularly compelling is the subtle passage of time and the boy’s emotions conveyed through sparse yet poignant lines. A standout moment occurs when the mother queries her son’s feelings about ‘being a big brother,’ with the background transitioning from yellows to reds, skilfully capturing his frustration and emotional distance. Ultimately, it’s a touching and authentic portrayal of the complexities inherent in family relationships.