Tommy's so excited that his mom is having a baby, and he asks her for a baby sister with a red ribbon in her hair. But he didn't ask for stern Nana Fall-River to come while his mom is in the hospital

. Tommy and Nana don't get along very well, but when little Maureen is born, all the trouble is forgotten. "A nice multigenerational story. It's great to have a book where the older sibling is actually pleased about the new arrival." --American Bookseller "A pleasantly realistic and reassuring book for anxious siblings-to-be." --The Horn Book From The Critics Publishers Weekly Reaching deep into the treasured memories of his own childhood, dePaola pulls out a plum. Little Tommy eagerly anticipates the arrival of a new sibling, and prays nightly for 'a baby sister with a red ribbon in her hair.' Household preparations proceed on course until a slight detour knocks Tommy for a loop-the arrival of his stern Italian nana instead of beloved Aunt Nell to care for him while his mother is in the hospital. This added dimension lifts the plot beyond the garden-variety 'new baby in the house' scenario, and under dePaola's sure, sensitive direction, a richly textured tale unfolds. The sympathetic fellow and his big, extended family are prime fodder for dePaola's artistic talent, too-with their well-known simplicity of line and cheerful palette, dePaola's illustrations radiate warmth and affection. Don't miss the author photo on the jacket cover for a glimpse of the real beribboned sister. Reaching deep into the treasured memories of his own childhood, dePaola pulls out a plum. Little Tommy eagerly anticipates the arrival of a new sibling, and prays nightly for "a baby sister with a red ribbon in her hair." Household preparations proceed on course until a slight detour knocks Tommy for a loop-the arrival of his stern Italian nana instead of beloved Aunt Nell to care for him while his mother is in the hospital. This added dimension lifts the plot beyond the garden-variety "new baby in the house" scenario, and under dePaola's sure, sensitive direction, a richly textured tale unfolds. The sympathetic fellow and his big, extended family are prime fodder for dePaola's artistic talent, too-with their well-known simplicity of line and cheerful palette, dePaola's illustrations radiate warmth and affection. Don't miss the author photo on the jacket cover for a glimpse of the real beribboned sister. Ages 3-6. (Mar.) PW's starred review praised this "richly textured" autobiographical tale about a boy eager for the birth of a new sibling. Ages 4-8. (June) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information. Children's Literature Tommy is really excited when his mother tells him that she is going to have a baby. Tommy wants a baby sister with a red ribbon in her hair. He even paints pictures for the baby's room. The big day is at hand, but Tommy's favorite aunt can't come and stay with him. Instead, he gets his Italian grandmother Nana Fall-River. She is a bit strict and old-fashioned, and Tommy really misses his mother. Finally the big day arrives when his mother returns from the hospital. Guess what? Nana Fall-River puts Tommy's baby sister in his arms and she does indeed have a red ribbon in her hair. Based on a true story of Tommy and his best friend, his sister Maureen. School Library Journal PreS-Another of dePaola's family stories. This one depicts young Tommy's anticipation of the arrival of his new sibling. In tightly framed paintings, the boy helps ready the nursery; draws and cuts paper decorations (his signature birds, hearts, and flowers); and eagerly awaits Aunt Nell's arrival.