Teddy describes his younger brother as "a walking Hallmark card." Bobby's sweet disposition and naiveté in the face of insults drive Teddy crazy. When Teddy gives Bobby a live, eight-inch alligator for his birthday, he does so as a joke that is meant to frighten him. Instead, much to Teddy's chagrin, Bobby loves the reptile. The care and feeding of Oscar, whose residence is established in the family bathtub, becomes a fascinating draw for friends and family in their San Francisco Chinatown neighborhood. Teddy grows to appreciate his younger brother's knowledge, patience and good humor as they care for his unusual pet in a wry, funny narrative about sibling relationships set in a warm, extended Asian-American family. CCBC categories: FICTION FOR CHILDREN. 1995, Hyperion, 122 pages, $13.89. Ages 9-11. © Cooperative Children's Book Center
By Shady Habib
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