Author: Andrea L. Rogers | Illustrator:  Rebecca Lee Kunz

Publisher: Levine Querido | October 8, 2024 | Caldecott Medal Winner

Description: Sissy’s younger brother, Chooch, isn’t a baby anymore. They just celebrated his second birthday, after all. But no matter what Chooch does — even if he’s messing something up! Which is basically all the time! — their parents say he’s just “helping.” Sissy feels that Chooch can get away with anything!

When Elisi paints a mural, Chooch helps. When Edutsi makes grape dumplings, Chooch helps. When Oginalii gigs for crawdads, Chooch helps. When Sissy tries to make a clay pot, Chooch helps . . .

“Hesdi!” Sissy yells. Quit it! And Chooch bursts into tears. What follows is a tender family moment that will resonate with anyone who has welcomed a new little one to the fold. Chooch Helped is a universal story of an older sibling learning to make space for a new child, told with grace by Andrea L. Rogers and stunning art from Rebecca Lee Kunz showing one Cherokee family practicing their cultural traditions. From the Levine Querido Publishing.

Patty's Pick: Conflict between a younger brother and older sister can lead to misunderstandings and tears. I love this book because it is a very relatable story for many families.  The colors are pleasing in the various colors used.  It also provides iconography represented in the Cherokee nation.  Look for some surprises at the end!