Phoebe & Digger

Young Phoebe scores a toy truck (yay!) at the same time she acquires a baby sister (boo!). Her new digger keeps Phoebe company while Mama is preoccupied with the little one, but it also gets the desperate-for-attention-and-tired-of-being-cooped-up big sis into some scrapes around the house. Time to go outside, decides Mom, and the three family members (plus truck) head to the park. Phoebe and Digger are having a blast in the dirt until a scaredy-cat "crybaby boy" lands her in time-out. Having served her penance, Phoebe goes back to play -- but is herself stymied by a bully girl who snatches Digger up. Our young heroine tries to stand her ground, but to no avail; just when she's feeling most isolated, Mama comes to the rescue, which reminds Phoebe that, in a family, it doesn't have to be every girl for herself. Mixed-media illustrations in subdued hues, with sketchlike black lines and lots of white space, enhance the straightforward text while playing up the tale's small moments and its big emotions. The story is notable for its sympathetic depictions of a rambunctious girl(!) truck lover (who is both the victim and perpetrator of teasing), her harried mother, and the not-always-adorable little baby; its relatable-to-new-big-siblings situations; and the nonsaccharine ending (bully-girl hasn't learned her lesson, but Digger is on the case). elissa gershowitz