This story takes place in a little red car in which Francie, her mum and Baby Sister (who hasn’t actually been born yet) are driving home from Grandma’s. The rain is bucketing down on the highway – and on the trees and on the animals. They pull over at a picnic area and eat their sandwiches, which Grandma made, and wonder what they’ll call Baby Sister when she arrives.

This sounds like an ordinary family story and it is, but it’s so exquisitely told and illustrated that I get goosebumps each time I read it. It’s full of love and hope and happiness. Don’t let your children miss it.

Reviewed by Merle Morcom
Age Guide 5+