Hazel waited a long time for her baby brother to arrive. In the meantime, she read to her bunny, Rodrigo. When Edgar finally comes, Hazel discovers he “wasn’t much different from Rodrigo. Or a pillow. Or a watermelon.” Hazel’s mother records first in Edgar’s baby book while Hazel waits for the “first that mattered. Edgar’s first word.” When Edgar finally speaks, it’s not the joyful occasion Hazel hoped for: Edgar’s first word is “No!” and he wields it with passion, conviction, and abandon. But at bedtime one night, she snuggles him onto her lap. He settles with a “tired-baby gravity” and listens to her read a story. When Hazel is done, Edgar says his second word: “Again.” And his third. “Again, ’azel?” Fresh descriptive language and fine pacing distinguish a picture book offering a humorous yet honest look at some of the highs and lows of being an older sibling. Highly Commended, 2015 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 4–7)

Hazel can’t wait for her baby brother to be born so she can talk and read with him! But when, at last, he arrives, he just sits there. More disappointing yet, when he finally speaks, his first word is a resounding NO! But Hazel resolves to wait some more—despite the ever-increasing NOs—and she keeps on reading aloud to him. Will Edgar ever say anything else? And if he does, what will his second word be? 
     The magic of sharing books is at the center of this hilarious new baby story that will resonate with book lovers and any child who has trouble waiting.