
Reach for this book when your older child is struggling with a younger sibling encroaching on their territory or special 'jobs.' It is a perfect choice for navigating the transition from being an only child or a solo helper to sharing responsibilities and magic with a toddler. This story follows Iris, a young girl who loves being in charge of the elevator button until her little brother takes over that role. Her frustration leads her to discover a discarded elevator button that opens doors to incredible imaginary worlds. While the book begins with relatable sibling friction and feelings of displacement, it blossoms into a celebration of creativity and shared wonder. The age-appropriate themes of jealousy and empathy are handled through stunning visual storytelling rather than heavy-handed moralizing. It is an excellent tool for validating a child's need for autonomy while gently nudging them toward the joys of inclusion.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book handles sibling rivalry and the feeling of 'losing status' in a secular, metaphorical way. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in emotional growth through play.
A 5 or 6-year-old who feels 'overtaken' by a younger sibling and needs a healthy outlet for their frustration, as well as a reminder that being an older sibling can mean being a guide to wonder.
This is a graphic narrative (comic style panels) with minimal text. Parents should be prepared to 'read' the pictures and ask what characters are feeling based on facial expressions. A parent might reach for this after witnessing a meltdown triggered by a 'stolen' turn or seeing an older child exclude a younger one from play.
Younger children (4-5) will focus on the magic of the portals and the 'mean' brother. Older children (7-8) will appreciate the visual storytelling techniques and the nuanced shift in Iris's perspective from anger to inclusion.
Unlike many 'new baby' books, this focuses on the loss of specific rituals and uses high-concept fantasy as a bridge to emotional maturity.
Iris is the designated elevator button pusher in her high rise apartment. When her toddler brother, Tiger, pushes the button first, Iris feels her sense of purpose and power stripped away. After a tantrum, she finds a discarded elevator button in the trash, tapes it to her bedroom wall, and discovers it acts as a portal to fantastic worlds. Eventually, she chooses to share this magic with her brother, transforming their rivalry into a shared bond.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.