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I Used to Be Famous
Can Kiely share the stage with a new star?
Kiely's been famous her entire life, but when a baby sister appears on the scene, she feels like a has-been. Now Kiely has to figure out how to gain back the attention of her adoring fans (her family), even if it means sharing the spotlight.
Kiely's been famous her entire life, but when a baby sister appears on the scene, she feels like a has-been. Now Kiely has to figure out how to gain back the attention of her adoring fans (her family), even if it means sharing the spotlight.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 5, 2020
Used this at story time this morning. The children really seemed to enjoy the concept, the caregivers as well.
September 19, 2023
This story explains the relationship between my two daughters perfectly. Very cute!
April 10, 2019
April 10th is Sibling Day, a day to celebrate our brothers and sisters. But sometimes the road to that celebration can be a bit hard and rocky, especially for the eldest sibling, who once was the one and only child until suddenly they find they have some competition for the spotlight.
That is exactly what happens to young Kiely (I am Famous). She's that cute young girl who was the apple of everyone's eye and could almost do no wrong, even when she flubbed, and learned the value of unconditional love.
Well, Kiely's back and now she finds she getting some stiff competition from baby Abby, the new star in town. The multitalented Kiely has everything a star could want - a personal shopper, a great biography, fame and fans, even paparazzi following her around and taking her photograph.
Until the day comes when they discover a new celebrity, who seems to be more famous than Kiely. But this new kid can't act or sing or dance, so why is Kiely being upstaged by this amateur all the time?
First, Kiely tries a new look, but but that doesn't help. When she finally concedes the the new kid now outshines her, that she's a just washed up has been, a funny thing happens. Kiely gets a new fan and it's none other than her competition.
So, what to do when you have a cute rival? Why, become a role model and teach her everything you know, and that's just what Kiely does. Pretty soon, Kiely and Abby are sharing the spotlight and having a great time being siblings.
A new baby in the family is often difficult for kids, but Kiely is a great role model not just for Abby but for all kids dealing with a little sibling jealousy. And as all brothers and sisters know, eventually it all works out and sibs generally end up being the best of friends, just as Kiely and Abby do.
This is a fun story and the illustrations capture Kiely and Abby's personality and all of their various emotions. They are light and charming, with plenty of white space to help keep kids focused on the story.
I Used To Be Famous is a great addition to any library's collection of sibling stories and a wonderful follow up to the first book - I Am Famous.
This book is recommended for readers age 4+
This book was gratefully provided to my by the publisher, Albert Whitman & Company
That is exactly what happens to young Kiely (I am Famous). She's that cute young girl who was the apple of everyone's eye and could almost do no wrong, even when she flubbed, and learned the value of unconditional love.
Well, Kiely's back and now she finds she getting some stiff competition from baby Abby, the new star in town. The multitalented Kiely has everything a star could want - a personal shopper, a great biography, fame and fans, even paparazzi following her around and taking her photograph.
Until the day comes when they discover a new celebrity, who seems to be more famous than Kiely. But this new kid can't act or sing or dance, so why is Kiely being upstaged by this amateur all the time?
First, Kiely tries a new look, but but that doesn't help. When she finally concedes the the new kid now outshines her, that she's a just washed up has been, a funny thing happens. Kiely gets a new fan and it's none other than her competition.
So, what to do when you have a cute rival? Why, become a role model and teach her everything you know, and that's just what Kiely does. Pretty soon, Kiely and Abby are sharing the spotlight and having a great time being siblings.
A new baby in the family is often difficult for kids, but Kiely is a great role model not just for Abby but for all kids dealing with a little sibling jealousy. And as all brothers and sisters know, eventually it all works out and sibs generally end up being the best of friends, just as Kiely and Abby do.
This is a fun story and the illustrations capture Kiely and Abby's personality and all of their various emotions. They are light and charming, with plenty of white space to help keep kids focused on the story.
I Used To Be Famous is a great addition to any library's collection of sibling stories and a wonderful follow up to the first book - I Am Famous.
This book is recommended for readers age 4+
This book was gratefully provided to my by the publisher, Albert Whitman & Company
September 29, 2021
The back of this book quotes Kirkus as telling Fancy Nancy/Olivia and Eloise to move over in reviewing the first book in this series. I'm not sure that I bought that one, but a review like that would leave me wishing I could just shout "next", but knowing that I would need to buy it.
Here that vibe mixes with the new baby blues, and I'm sure this too will be popular.
But that doesn't make it good. And it doesn't help with my gag reflex either.
Here that vibe mixes with the new baby blues, and I'm sure this too will be popular.
But that doesn't make it good. And it doesn't help with my gag reflex either.
March 26, 2019
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is I Used To Be Famous, written by Becky Cattie and Tara Luebbe and illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff, a follow-up to last year’s I Am Famous.
Kiely – the precocious, performing girl of the first book – is back, and still the center of attention. She has practically everything one might expect from a triple-threat celebrity in the spotlight: a personal shopper (her mom), a dazzling biography (her baby book), and paparazzi following her every move… well, she used to! Suddenly there’s a new star in town: new baby sister Abby, who despite not being able to sing or dance or act (and sort of smelling like poop), effortlessly commands the room. Kiely tries to wrestle the spotlight back to herself, but to no avail. She finally admits to defeat to Abby, but finds that her little sister may just be the loyal fan, performing partner, and perhaps even best friend she’s been looking for.
Very cute! Beginning by reestablishing the tongue-in-cheek humor of the first book, the author pair does a great job of continuing the story of Kiely while also allowing new readers to immediately engage with this boisterous and confident young girl. From there, we get a solid tale of becoming a big sibling through her eyes. It hits the familiar beats of a “new baby” book, but in a uniquely “Kiely” way, moving from jealousy to acceptance, to a growing bond of sisterhood, all with a focus on performing and their humorous “diva” status. Lee-Vriethoff’s art is as charming and endearing as ever, filling Kiely and Abby with loads of personality and emotion. The length is perfect, and JJ has a lot of fun with it. A great new baby book for the household diva, and Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by a representative of the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
April 4, 2019
Keily is back and spunkier than ever in the highly anticipated I USED TO BE FAMOUS. In this sequel to I AM FAMOUS, the spotlight Keily has been enjoying gets crowded. This spunky and perfectly sassy young starlet now has to figure out a way to share with the arrival of a new baby sister.
Keily is the star of every show. She has everything going for her. However, with the arrival of new competition, she might be losing some of her star power.
They say good things come in small packages, however Keily's new baby sister can’t act, dance, or sing, she is certainly not a fashionista, and worst of all smells like poop almost all the time. Thanks to the new addition to the family, Keily's best audience (her own family) are constantly distracted. But what Keily soon realizes is that her new baby sister is her best audience and is becoming the single greatest fan she has ever had.
This book is cleverly written for wide audiences who will appreciate the head first dive into learning how to share for the first time. As always, Lee-Vriethoff’s art is charming and endearing. Most importantly, Keily and her sister Abby have enough personality to leap off the page. The art is sure to make emotional connections with readers.
Keily's second act is a welcome addition to the ever growing cannon of curly haired girls in picture books.
Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions are my own.
Keily is the star of every show. She has everything going for her. However, with the arrival of new competition, she might be losing some of her star power.
They say good things come in small packages, however Keily's new baby sister can’t act, dance, or sing, she is certainly not a fashionista, and worst of all smells like poop almost all the time. Thanks to the new addition to the family, Keily's best audience (her own family) are constantly distracted. But what Keily soon realizes is that her new baby sister is her best audience and is becoming the single greatest fan she has ever had.
This book is cleverly written for wide audiences who will appreciate the head first dive into learning how to share for the first time. As always, Lee-Vriethoff’s art is charming and endearing. Most importantly, Keily and her sister Abby have enough personality to leap off the page. The art is sure to make emotional connections with readers.
Keily's second act is a welcome addition to the ever growing cannon of curly haired girls in picture books.
Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions are my own.
March 28, 2019
I Used To Be Famous
⭐️
By Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie @tarraluebbe @beckycattie ⭐️
Pictures by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff @joannelewvriethoff
⭐️
Thank you to the authors, illustrator, publisher and #blueslipmedia for the free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
⭐️
I loved The author’s first book, I AM FAMOUS. It reminded me of so many families who simply can’t get enough of the new star in the family, especially if it’s child number one! 😉The camera is never still and every move is recorded for all of posterity in the memory book. But then… baby number two arrives and nothing is quite the same for child number one. Where are the cameras, the accolades, the personal attention?! Where is the fame? This is story of I USED TO BE FAMOUS.
⭐️
The charming and colorful illustrations help us to understand just how much Kiely’s life changes once a new baby arrives. Oldest children everywhere will identify with Keily’s dilemma as she realizes she’s not the only star in the household. I loved Keily’s expressions as she figures this out, and then realizes that JUST MAYBE she can share her starring role; maybe there is room for TWO stars on the Sidewalk of Fame!
⭐️
This book is a pure delight from beginning to end. If you have more than one child, you definitely need to add this to your family’s library when it’s released on April 1st! And put a copy on your coffee table, too. It will put a smile on everyone’s face!
⭐️
By Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie @tarraluebbe @beckycattie ⭐️
Pictures by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff @joannelewvriethoff
⭐️
Thank you to the authors, illustrator, publisher and #blueslipmedia for the free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
⭐️
I loved The author’s first book, I AM FAMOUS. It reminded me of so many families who simply can’t get enough of the new star in the family, especially if it’s child number one! 😉The camera is never still and every move is recorded for all of posterity in the memory book. But then… baby number two arrives and nothing is quite the same for child number one. Where are the cameras, the accolades, the personal attention?! Where is the fame? This is story of I USED TO BE FAMOUS.
⭐️
The charming and colorful illustrations help us to understand just how much Kiely’s life changes once a new baby arrives. Oldest children everywhere will identify with Keily’s dilemma as she realizes she’s not the only star in the household. I loved Keily’s expressions as she figures this out, and then realizes that JUST MAYBE she can share her starring role; maybe there is room for TWO stars on the Sidewalk of Fame!
⭐️
This book is a pure delight from beginning to end. If you have more than one child, you definitely need to add this to your family’s library when it’s released on April 1st! And put a copy on your coffee table, too. It will put a smile on everyone’s face!
March 21, 2019
Kiely is famous, constantly being followed by the paparazzi (her family), but someone new is in town. In her first book I AM FAMOUS, Kiely relished in all the attention she got from everyone she knew. She received praise and accolades for every trick she did.
Suddenly, Kiely notices that her paparazzi aren’t following her anymore. Who is the new celebrity in town? It’s someone who has no fashion sense and has no talent. It’s her baby sister, Abby. Kiely is ready to give up the spotlight until she has a new idea.
When I first read I AM FAMOUS, I thought it would make a great opening for a sequel and these sister authors did it. I love both of these books. They are silly, creative, and poke a little fun at us parents who go crazy documenting everything our little ones do.
The illustrations are excellent and show Kiely’s emotions when being shushed, frustrated, and having fun with her sister. Her personality shines on the pages and the illustrations are adorable. If you’ve got a new big sister in your house, get this fabulous series of books! Don’t miss this followup to Kiely’s stardom…her sister, Abby!
Suddenly, Kiely notices that her paparazzi aren’t following her anymore. Who is the new celebrity in town? It’s someone who has no fashion sense and has no talent. It’s her baby sister, Abby. Kiely is ready to give up the spotlight until she has a new idea.
When I first read I AM FAMOUS, I thought it would make a great opening for a sequel and these sister authors did it. I love both of these books. They are silly, creative, and poke a little fun at us parents who go crazy documenting everything our little ones do.
The illustrations are excellent and show Kiely’s emotions when being shushed, frustrated, and having fun with her sister. Her personality shines on the pages and the illustrations are adorable. If you’ve got a new big sister in your house, get this fabulous series of books! Don’t miss this followup to Kiely’s stardom…her sister, Abby!
March 19, 2019
Kiely was the popular one and thought she was the star of the show. Basically, she was. That is until a little sister arrived. Her name was Abby and now everyone focused their attentions on her. At first, Kiely pointed out to Abby all the things she couldn’t do. Kiely tried to get herself back into the spotlight, but it didn’t work. Eventually she gave up and decided to show little Abby how the show must go on. What do you think she did?
This adorable story is the sequel to Kiely and how her parents recorded her every move. Children will enjoy this easy read with its delightful and colorful illustrations. Any child with a new sibling will be able to identify with the story. Parents and teachers can use this tool to discuss how to be a big brother or sister and the responsibility that comes with it.
This adorable story is the sequel to Kiely and how her parents recorded her every move. Children will enjoy this easy read with its delightful and colorful illustrations. Any child with a new sibling will be able to identify with the story. Parents and teachers can use this tool to discuss how to be a big brother or sister and the responsibility that comes with it.
January 7, 2019
Kiely is back and poised for another blockbuster in this adorable, plucky follow up to I AM FAMOUS. Now a pro at all things Showbiz, she’s ready to sit back and bask in the glow of her fame when, one day, the spotlight shifts and an unwelcome co-star crawls on stage—a brand new baby sister! Flabbergasted, Kiely tries to upstage the stinky little moppet with every scene-stealing trick she knows, but eventually she admits defeat. When the kid turns her megawatt cuteness her way, however, Kiely begins to warm up, and suddenly the idea of a tiny co-star isn’t quite so bad.
Luebbe and Cattie capture the ups and down of becoming an older sibling in this adorable book, and Vriethoff’s illustrations are brilliant, once again, allowing these two little starlets to shine their brightest.
Luebbe and Cattie capture the ups and down of becoming an older sibling in this adorable book, and Vriethoff’s illustrations are brilliant, once again, allowing these two little starlets to shine their brightest.
July 9, 2019
I Used To Be Famous is an adorable and funny take on the classic big-sibling story. It’s a sequel to I Am Famous, but you don’t have to read that one first to understand and adore I Used to Be Famous. This is a great example of a character driver picture book with both humor and heart. The main character, big-sister Kiely, has a BIG personality and is lots of fun. My favorite line: “I have no choice. I must confront this moppet.”
The illustrations are super cute and do a great job of enhancing the story with humorous details and wonderful expressions. My favorites are the picture of the baby dumping a pot of sauce over her head, and the adorable spread where Kiely realizes (to her delight) that her little sister think she’s entertaining.
The illustrations are super cute and do a great job of enhancing the story with humorous details and wonderful expressions. My favorites are the picture of the baby dumping a pot of sauce over her head, and the adorable spread where Kiely realizes (to her delight) that her little sister think she’s entertaining.
April 29, 2019
@kidlitexchange #partner Thanks to the #kidlitexchange network and publisher Albert Whitman & Company for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own. This is a super cute sequel to the book I Am Famous. Kiely is a huge celebrity! The paparazzi (aka her parents) are always taking pictures of her and her fans (grandparents and aunts) love to watch her perform. But when a new celebrity comes to town, Kiely feels upstaged. This story is so perfect for only children who are suddenly sharing the spotlight with a new sibling. They will likely relate to how Kiely feels, and will hopefully take away how great it is to share the stage with a co-star! This book is available now. ☺️
January 6, 2019
The sequel of I am Famous, this cute picture book picks up with the fame-loving Kiely struggling to share the spotlight with her new baby sister. At first shocked and horrified to learn that baby sis is stealing her spotlight, Kiely learns that being a big sister can have advantages, especially for paparazzi-loving girls like her. With super cute illustrations and a likable voice, there is a lot here to like for all picture book lovers, but this would be a great gift and story to share with boys and girls who are adjusting (or getting ready to adjust) to siblings of their own.
January 14, 2019
In this wonderful sequel to "I Am Famous," Kiely's baby sister is the new, rising star at home - NOT Kiely. And that's excruciatingly frustrating for Kiely... until she realizes the greater joy from sharing the spotlight! With the right balance of spunk and charm, Kiely wins our heart while making it relatable to children her age. The illustrations capture the cuteness and delight of sibling bonding and childhood imagination. "I Used to be Famous," is a meaningful story that doesn't fail to entertain.
January 18, 2019
I loved I Am Famous, but this sequel is even cuter, if that's possible! It's an age-old problem -- the older child gets upstaged by the new baby in the family. But this time, it's really a stage and the older child's struggle is depicted so incredibly well. This book will help every child who is facing that uncertainty of "where do I fit now?" when a new baby arrives. Definitely worth buying for that family expecting a new baby but also just so cute that it's an asset to every family library. Kiely and Abby are that adorable!!
June 25, 2019
Kiely’s back…and she has some serious competition!
The author/illustrator team who introduced us to Kiely in I Am Famous is at it again. But this time, there’s twice the adorableness. No one could possibly take Kiely’s place in the family spotlight, right? Enter baby sister, who amps up the cuteness and threatens to dim Kiely’s star. But leave it to big sis to devise a solution that both children and parents will love and appreciate. With snappy, showbiz-sprinkled text and endearing illustrations, this sequel sparkles!
The author/illustrator team who introduced us to Kiely in I Am Famous is at it again. But this time, there’s twice the adorableness. No one could possibly take Kiely’s place in the family spotlight, right? Enter baby sister, who amps up the cuteness and threatens to dim Kiely’s star. But leave it to big sis to devise a solution that both children and parents will love and appreciate. With snappy, showbiz-sprinkled text and endearing illustrations, this sequel sparkles!
January 6, 2019
A solid sequel to I Am Famous by the same authors and illustrator. Kiely's relatable personality shines through again as she realizes that little sister is stealing her limelight. Kiely navigates the typical feelings of sibling rivalry as she tries to re-capture the attention of her 'fans.' Kiely makes peace with the new situation in a perfectly Kiely way that will endear her again to both the child and parent reader. A fun bedtime read.
January 7, 2019
Kiely returns! The sequel to I Am Famous! is just what her fans were waiting for, and will also delight those who haven’t yet met this instantly relatable star. Kiely, a “triple threat” adored for her many talents, is dismayed to be upstaged by a baby sister. She convincingly navigates her new role and wins hearts again. Clever humor and engaging illustrations make this book a fun read which will have special appeal to families with a new sibling.
January 8, 2019
Kiely is back and she's ready to take center stage again...only something isn't quite right. A new arrival to the family throws Kiely for a loop. How can this star compete with the adorable new talent?
Bringing the same sass and spunk seen in I AM FAMOUS, Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie create a unique and creative spin on the older/younger sibling relationship. A must read for all older (and younger) siblings!
Bringing the same sass and spunk seen in I AM FAMOUS, Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie create a unique and creative spin on the older/younger sibling relationship. A must read for all older (and younger) siblings!
January 5, 2019
Sometimes it's hard being the older sister! Adorable story about Kiely, whose family has turned their attention to the new baby in the house. Kiely USED to be famous and now has to get creative! Eye catching art that will grab attention, easy to understand language, and a strong lesson about adjusting to new situations - plus a ton of costume changes! A fantastic follow up to I AM FAMOUS.
January 6, 2019
‘I used to be famous’ is the sequel of ‘I am Famous’.
Kiely struggles with the arrival of her new baby sister Abby. The little baby in fact steals all the attention of her family, but in the end, Kiely will learn that ‘sharing the spotlight’ with her sister is great! This funny and adorable picture book by the same authors of ‘Shark Nate-O’ is highly recommended!
Kiely struggles with the arrival of her new baby sister Abby. The little baby in fact steals all the attention of her family, but in the end, Kiely will learn that ‘sharing the spotlight’ with her sister is great! This funny and adorable picture book by the same authors of ‘Shark Nate-O’ is highly recommended!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2019
A sweet sequel to I Am Famous by the same writing and illustration team. Kiely used to be famous, but when her paparazzi seems to skip town, she discovers another starlet has stolen her spotlight. She faces the dilemma that all children do when a new member joins the family: fight for center stage or find a way to form an ensemble.
January 7, 2019
Great sequel to I Am Famous! Superstar Kiely gets taken down a peg when baby sister arrives. She desperately tries to cling to the spotlight but it seems her fans have moved on. With sweet and funny scenarios, the authors create a relatable story that will leave readers cheering for Kiely and her new co-star.
January 7, 2019
Kiely returns in the sequel to I AM FAMOUS! Her fans have deserted her and she finds them showering a new celebrity with all their attention. My favorite aspect of this sibling book is that the used-to-be-famous Kiely discovers that, although she seems to have lost her original fan club, she's gained one very important fan. Together, they can continue to be FAMOUS!
January 9, 2019
This is another adorable book by Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie about when Kiely finds herself pushed out of the spotlight by her baby sister. Kiely's fun voice and spunky personality shine in this sequel to "I Am Famous." Perfect for any kid who finds themselves sharing attention with a younger sibling.
January 22, 2025
I can't stand that such a little girl knows all about being famous. Fame really isn't something to be admired. We know celebrities' names because we see them on a big screen acting like someone else. Why on earth are we glorifying people who can act? Makes no sense to me. Encourage kids to be soldiers or firefighters or police officers. Those are actual people to look up to.
January 8, 2019
What a darling sequel to I AM FAMOUS! In this story, the fabulously famous Kiely is upstaged by her little sister...until Kiely learns there is room enough for two on the stage. The fun, fabulous antics and darling illustrations will have your little star asking for an encore!
January 10, 2019
This is an adorable sequel to I AM FAMOUS, and this time, the spunky main character Kiely has a new baby sister that she has to share the spotlight with. There's plenty of humor in this new sibling story.
I was fortunate to be able to look at an ARC - can't wait to get my hands on the real book.
I was fortunate to be able to look at an ARC - can't wait to get my hands on the real book.
June 2, 2019
5/31/2019 ~ A great sibling book. I dare you to read it without smiling at the dancing, singing, and acting; giving a rueful sigh at the signs of jealousy; and uttering an "awww" at the end when the big sister accepts her role.
As always, I also appreciate books with kids of color doing adorable, everyday things. My readers will see themselves in this story. Readers at majority white schools will see kids who may look different, but who sing, act, and dance just like they do.
As always, I also appreciate books with kids of color doing adorable, everyday things. My readers will see themselves in this story. Readers at majority white schools will see kids who may look different, but who sing, act, and dance just like they do.
June 28, 2019
Ahhh, the feelings of the first child when more children are born into the family and this main character's role is changed to big sister and no longer the center of attention. But Kiely learns to share in the attention and help Abby become a famous duo of daughters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews