Mini PB Review: I Used To Be Famous by Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

I Used To Be Famous by Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie,

pictures by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Albert Whitman & Company, 2019, 32 pages

April 10th is Sibling Day, a day to celebrate our brothers and sisters. But sometimes the road to that celebration can be a bit hard and rocky, especially for the eldest sibling, who once was the one and only child until suddenly they find they have some competition for the spotlight.

That is exactly what happens to young Kiely (I am Famous). She's that cute young girl who was the apple of everyone's eye and could almost do no wrong, even when she flubbed, and learned the value of unconditional love.

Well, Kiely's back and now she finds she is getting some stiff competition from baby Abby, the new star in town. The multitalented Kiely has everything a star could want - a personal shopper, a great biography, fame and fans, even paparazzi following her around and taking her photograph.

Until the day comes when they discover a new celebrity, who seems to be more famous than Kiely. But the new kid can't act or sing or dance, so why is Kiely being upstaged by this amateur all the time?

First, Kiely tries a few new things, but but that doesn't help. When she finally concedes the the new kid now outshines her, that she's just a washed up has been, a funny thing happens. Kiely gets a new fan and it's none other than her competition.

So, what to do when you have a cute rival? Why, become a role model and teach her everything you know, and that's just what Kiely does. Pretty soon, Kiely and Abby are sharing the spotlight and having a great time being siblings.

A new baby in the family is often difficult for kids, but Kiely is a great role model not just for Abby but for all kids dealing with a little sibling jealousy. And as all brothers and sisters know, eventually it all works out and sibs generally end up being the best of friends, just as Kiely and Abby do.

This is a fun story and the illustrations capture Kiely and Abby's personality and all of their various emotions. The illustrations are colorful, light and charming, with plenty of white space to help keep kids focused on the story.

I Used To Be Famous is a great addition to any library's collection of sibling stories and a wonderful follow up to the first book - I Am Famous.

This book is recommended for readers age 4+
This book was gratefully provided to my by the publisher, Albert Whitman & Company