[.ca] Titch (ISBN 0613192397)

From Amazon.com:
In childhood, being the youngest often means you're the littlest, too. For Titch, it also means getting the smallest bike--a tricycle, actually--while his older brother and sister get the bigger ones. When his siblings receive glorious, wind-dancing kites, Titch gets a dinky little pinwheel. When big brother and sister get to handle grown-up-sized tools, Titch gets to hold the nail. Author Pat Hutchins, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal for The Wind Blew, shows great compassion for the curse of the youngest, especially in her drawings of Titch's wrinkly, down-turned mouth and his desperate little eyes. In fact, her no-frills illustrations are the perfect reflection of Titch's inescapable plight as the lowest rung on the ladder. In the end, Hutchins presents an opportunity for Titch to be more important and symbolically bigger than either of his siblings. The last born in any family will especially appreciate the littlest one's rising moment of glory--literally--that comes in the satisfying end. (Baby to preschool) --Gail Hudson

My all-time favorite book!:
As the youngest in my family, I have appreciated this children's book more than any other. It accurately portrays the feelings of insignificance the baby of the family may have while watching older siblings experience things first. Titch is finally validated when his seed not only grows big, but is necessary to make what his siblings have useful; even more than being equal, he is needed. As a child, I had this book in paperback; recently, I received a hard-cover copy. I am now 26 with this book on my shelf, always ready to provide a smile. I plan to give this book as a gift to any "youngest" I know

An oldie but goodie:
Hard to believe this was first published about 30 years go. It is still going strong, and I guess that shows it is a classic. My 3 year old loved it read over and over and now he is starting to read himself, is re-discovering it all over again as HE reads the words. Simple, but effective illustrations which help move the story along. Terrific.