Not Yet, Rose - Hardcover

Susanna Leonard Hill formerly worked as a special education teacher but now is a full time writer. Her previous books include No Sword Fighting in the House and Punxsutawney Phyllis (both Holiday House). She lives in New York.

Nicole Rutten has illustrated books for a number of publishers in Europe and the United States, including A Tale of Two Rats, by Claude Lager, and The Great Invasion of the Stone Moles, by Daniel Billet (both Stewart, Tabori & Chang). Nicole lives in Belg

AWARDS and RECOGNITIONS
 Mom's Choice Awards, Gold: Family Life (2009)
Itabashi Translation Award, Finalist

Kirkus Reviews"Rutten's watercolor-and-pencil artwork sweetly portrays the bundle of conflicting feelings that is Rose. Her expressive face and body language make her every emotion plain. Brightly colored pictures contrast with the blue-toned illustrations that represent Rose's imaginings. A solid addition to the new-baby shelf." School Library Journal
"Every morning, a young hamster races into her parents' bedroom and asks, 'Is the baby here yet?' and each time they answer, 'Not yet.' Rose can't decide whether she wants a sister or a brother, and at one point she decides that she doesn't want a baby at all, but her mother brings her around to the idea that she'll probably like being a big sister. Dad describes the nurturing that babies require and reminds his daughter that she was once an infant who needed and received loving care, too. When a brother is born, she carefully holds him, marvels at how tiny he is, and sings to him until he falls asleep in her arms. The book ends neatly with Rose's parents asking if her arms are tired and she replies, 'Not yet.' Hill presents adults who encourage their daughter to process her feelings and come to her own conclusions. The narrative's pacing and structure are ideal, with the story and life lessons beginning on Monday and ending on Friday. Rutten's cheery watercolor illustrations, depicting the hamsters' life in their cozy country cottage and later in the hospital, are infused with subtle, appropriate humor. With its thoughtful text and playful art, this book gently helps older siblings confidently adjust to their new roles."