Stories for Growing
Cover of The New Small PersonAges 3 to 7
KindnessOpen-mindedness

The New Small Person

Lauren Child

Ages 3 to 7
About this age guidance

Kirkus: 3–7; Publishers Weekly: 4–8

The age tag follows Kirkus review. Other sources may suggest different ages. This is audience guidance, not an independent reading level.

Listed on a library staff list about jealousy. The entry describes Elmore Green, an only child who does his best to keep his new baby brother out of his life.

Elmore Green is an only child who fears his parents will love the new baby more. As the baby grows up copying him, following him and moving into his room, Elmore keeps him at a distance. A nightmare brings the little brother to his bed to comfort him, and Elmore finally gives him his name.

Good forJealousy

Recommended by Austin Public Library staff list

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What children see in the story

Albert’s steady following is annoying until he does the kind thing in the dark: he crawls into Elmore’s bed when Elmore has a nightmare, and that comfort changes the brothers’ relationship. Elmore starts out sure the baby is a threat and refuses to name him. After the night of the nightmare he changes his mind and welcomes his brother.

Why it’s on these shelves

Kindness
Elmore Green does not want his new little brother around. When Elmore has a nightmare, the little brother crawls into his bed to comfort him, and that kindness is what finally brings the two boys together.
Open-mindedness
Elmore Green is sure the new baby will take his place, so he will not even use his brother’s name. After the baby comforts him in the dark, Elmore changes his mind and calls him Albert.

Why pick it up?

Elmore warms to his brother; the sibling relationship becomes a happy friendship, and the little brother’s action is what changes things.

A note for parents

Kirkus says the little brother’s actions change the dynamic, rather than the older child’s. A parent of an older sibling may want to talk about what Elmore could have done earlier. Elmore’s resistance (calling the baby "it", wanting him out of his room) is the conflict, resolved in the ending.

Where this recommendation comes from

Austin Public Library staff list

Listed on a library staff list about jealousy. The entry describes Elmore Green, an only child who does his best to keep his new baby brother out of his life.

Read Austin Public Library’s recommendation
Sources and review status

We have checked source descriptions and drafted the value mapping. We have not personally reviewed the full book. The value labels, situation assignments, and parent notes remain provisional.

Publisher or literacy resource · Original recommendation

Our explanation of the value fit is separate from the original reviewer’s judgment. Their inclusion here does not imply an endorsement of Stories for Growing.

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