Pajama Press

“Rating: E…The clever illustrations are beautifully rendered in water colour and enhance the dreamlike intrepid tone of the story. The picture of Morgan asleep with the full grown lion is especially irresistible. The comforting story encourages young children suffering from nightmares to conquer their fears. Thematic Links: Nightmares; Dreams; Lions; Self-esteem; Grandmothers”
—Isobel Lang

Read the full review on page 3 of the February 2018 issue of Resource Links Magazine

“Waiting can be so hard for little ones, especially when it’s for a baby sister who is taking her time being born and growing up so you can play with her. And this waiting is just about killing little Liam….

Sarah Ellis gives Liam a voice that is so filled with hope about his new sister and the promise of having a familial playmate that even his frustrations are natural and unfeigned. He speaks with his heart, never with meanness or anger, though he acknowledges the annoyance of biding his time. Sophie has a great big brother. And, although Waiting for Sophie is an early reader, rather than a picture book, the illustrations by Carmen Mok augment Sarah Ellis’ story with the innocence and family that the author’s words already convey.

Young children being challenged to read their first chapter books will appreciate this early reader as it will undoubtedly speak to them. So many know the anguish of waiting, whether for a new sibling to be born or some other significant life event, and will easily put themselves in Liam’s shoes. Maybe they’ll undertake their own DIY project, with a little help from an adult, or maybe they’ll find their own coping strategies but you can be sure that they’ll appreciate Liam’s story of Waiting for Sophie and the fun that can be had with it.”

Click here to read the full review