Julius, el Rey de la Casa

Mouse Books

by Henkes Kevin, Teresa Mlawer

Lily va a tener un hermanito y está muy ilusionada, pero cuando nace y ve que todos los cariños son para él se sentirá mal y le odiará, hasta que un día alguien habla mal de su hermano...

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Fiction, Fantasy, Animals, Humor

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 1990

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this totally hits the nail on the head for how big siblings feel when a baby comes into the picture.

[Treasa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lily is not pleased when her parents bring home her little brother, Julius, and spend so much time cooing over him. But when Lily's cousin criticizes Julius, Lily's big-sisterly instincts kick in.

I dislike any book that involves an older sibling hating a younger sibling (or any sibling hating any sibling, for that matter). The first time I read this book, I was reading it out loud to a child I was babysitting. I almost stopped reading it because I was so disturbed that Lily says she hates Julius. Of course older siblings are not always thrilled when a new baby comes home, but I still do not like reading books about siblings hating one another. If it's ok (and even supposed to be considered funny) for Lily to hate her little brother, then why can't the child I am reading the book to hate her little brother, too? Sure, Lily grows out of it by the end of the book, but the bulk of the book (and the most memorable part) involves her hating and torturing Julius. I just don't like it.

I like a lot of Henkes's books but really just do not like this one.

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like this book at all. I found myself changing the language while I was reading it aloud to my son. I know it's supposed to be cute and funny that Lilly hates her baby brother at first. In the end, she defends him...blah blah blah. I don't have any appreciation for a book that introduces the concept of hating your sibling. I'm spoiled perhaps because my son loves his baby sister and I certainly don't want to give him any ideas that it is cute or funny to "hate" her or talk about hating her. Yes, this book uses "hate" repeatedly. Thumbs down, Henkes.

[Cheryl]

I get that sibling rivalry is a thing. I get that Lilly has a big personality, and eventually that will serve her well. I get that Henkes is a terrific author.

I do not get why she first loves the 'bump' then immediately despises the newborn then, with one incident, decides she loves him again. I also don't get why the parents didn't acknowledge her feelings, instead of trying to bribe her to not have or express them.

I'd rate this one star, but I have the feeling I'm missing something(s) so I won't rate it.

[Julian Zehner]

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[L.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn’t use the term “hate” in a children’s book, and I wouldn’t read this book to a child who behaves well after having a new sibling. But for my toddler who loves her little brother but acts out all the time since he arrived, this book was perfect. It horrified her that Lilly would be so horrible, but also helped her realize how she fusses about silly things.

It seems to me Henkes has written a lot of practical “life” books to help kids realize how to AND not to interact with the world, and I’m grateful for several of his attempts.

[Kristen Dutkiewicz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find myself torn when reviewing this children's book because while I appreciate the ending, there were some unkind words shared for the majority of the book towards the new baby.

I have it three stars, because the ending shows a nice relationship with a younger brother. Just would have appreciated a more sensitive tone and language for younger children.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.9 stars

I first read this storybook as an adult.

The illustrations are nice and attractive
and appropriate. Actually, totally appropriate
for the subject matter.

The creativity in this picturebook is just
amazing. There is one page where Lilly
is talking about her younger brother
as dust under your bed and a germ.
I don't want to give away every thing that
she said. Then there is a point where she
has acquired--somehow--a voodoo doll
depicting her younger brother and is sticking
pins in it. This is either cute or interesting or
disgusting depending on your point of view.

The book does finally end happily.

The clever details in this book are just amazing.
I think this is one of the best picturebooks that
I have ever read.

That being said, I really think that adults in
general would really like this storybook a lot
better than kids would. As a matter of fact, I
don't think that it is really appropriate at all for
children in general--particularly younger children.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially, Lily is excited upon hearing of the arrival of her baby brother. However, once her parents repeatedly state that the new baby, Julius, will be the "baby of the world," Lily becomes extremely envious and the tale of humorous sibling rivarly ensues. Lily go to mouse extremes in terms of her antics when it comes to her hatred and jealously towards her new baby brother. From warning strangers about the evils of babies to painting evil pictures of her family without Julius and even having "ghastly" nightmares about her brother, Lily was not content about having a new baby brother. When her cousin came over to her house, her cousin called Lily's baby brother, Julius, "disgusting." This is a word that Lily had coined as her own to refer to Julius when her parents spoke of his praise as the baby of the world. Surprisingly much to Lily's dismay, she didn't appreciate the way Julius had been referred to, as in disgusting, by anybody other than herself. Therefore from then on, she defended and treated her baby brother with respect and unconditional love.
This heartwarming story which I read in my internship's pre-k classroom appealed to me because as a sibling of my brother, I can recall sharing many of the same petty sentiments which were evoke from Lily's jealously of her brother. Nonethless, I now own the book and I love reading it because the humor and connection to my own life were two great aspects of the story I think resonates with not only me but anyone who reads this fantastic story, especially young children!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My niece liked this book and identified with the idea being presented here. I'm sure she would have given this book three stars, which is why I gave it three stars.

That said, I thought Lily was an unpleasant child, whether she was having trouble adjusting to her brother or no. Lily's nastiness and snottiness persisted from beginning to end, and that just got to be a bit much for me. I would probably give this book one-and-a-half stars, but it's been a long time since I've had to adjust to a new sibling, so I'm probably forgetting what that was like and as a reult, missing something here. My niece took this story in stride and definitly did a better job than me of understanding that Lily's behavior was written big for the sake of impact and/or comic effect. She liked it, I didn't, the book was written for kids, so her stars win over mine.

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, this is just high-quality stuff right here!
In the same vein as "Owen", Kevin Henkes relates a smart story about Lilly, a girl with her own mind (very much so!) who takes something of a disliking to her baby brother shortly after his birth.
The pithy text absolutely oozes with wit and subtle charm, with big laughs reliably coming at every turn of the page. "Julius, the Baby of the World" represents Kevin Henkes near his picture-book best, and I would enthusiastically recommend this story for anyone who enjoys funny picture books that have a steady mooring in good writing. I would probably give two and a half stars to "Julius, the Baby of the World".

[Jacoba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julius, Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes (1995)
Genre: Picture book
Format: Book
Plot summary: Lilly is convinced that the arrival of her new baby brother is the worst thing that has happened in their house until Cousin Garland comes to visit.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory (strong language, sex, death, religious overtones, violence, etc.): No special considerations
Review citation (if available): Sutton, Roger Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books , November 1990, Vol. 44, p61-61
Section source used to find the material: ALA Notable Children's Book 1991
Recommended age: Pre-K -2nd grade

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

When her new brother arrives, Lilly’s parents are smitten, but Lilly is filled with jealousy. “‘Julius is the baby of the world,’ chimed Lilly's parents. ‘Disgusting,’ said Lilly.” Henkes masterfully captures Lilly’s growing frustration and the way she suddenly turns protective when her cousin criticizes Julius. Families are never easy.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julius, the Baby of the World is Lilly's new baby brother, and she thinks he is disgusting. Most children will go through some kind of phase when a new sibling is brought home. This book displays lots of negative criticism to siblings at first, but in the end the older sibling takes a stand to protect her younger brother. This realistic story brings sibling together.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of all of Henkes' books. I just love way he depicts Lilly's attitude toward her baby brother, and how it changes toward the end. He must have first-hand knowledge of sibling rivalry! Cute and recommended!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madam and I read this together, and she laughed because she loves her little baby brother so much (THANK YOU GOD!!!), but this could be so much different. She could feel the same way Lily does. Thank you, Henkes, once again for giving us characters that are so relate-able.

[Bekka · Rating 4 out of 5]

very cute! Loved the illustrations.

[Deb Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kevin Henkes' books. The love a sibling can be found despite all efforts. Hopefully this is true of teenagers too.

[Angelina Cicero · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by Kevin Henkes is an adorable sibling book. I really liked this book, the pithy text oozed with wit and subtle charm, and laughs at things the main character Lilly did. Even though it may have been a cute and funny book, if you read this to a child, you would have to explain why Lilly told her new brother Julius horrible stories, and treated him like she did. Young children don't understand that when a baby is born the parents full attention needs to be on the baby at times. In the book, Lilly got jealous and certainly a child would too. This goes into the intended audience. This book is intended for children who are no longer going to an only child. While reading this to a child try to explain things very clear while reading. Other than that, i loved how it gave the message a siblings love can be found despite all efforts. Even though Lilly made Julius cry, told him terrible stories, and didn't invite him to tea, Lilly realized she loved her brother. When cousin Garland came and said why she didn't like Julius Lilly got angry and made cousin Garland hold, hug, and kiss Julius. From that moment Lilly realized being a big sister is a huge honor and considered Julius "Baby of the World."

The typography is big enough to go along with the pictures on each page. Watercolor and black pen were used for the full color art.(medium) The colors are vibrant and colorful on each page. For example, Lilly has been seen in pink, green, yellow, orange, and red. Each character shows emotion, when Lilly screamed both parents covered their ears with a annoyed expression.

While looking for books for this project, the book cover for this book really stood out to me. The cover is bright yellow with and image of Lilly standing over Julius' crib with a mask on, and toys surrounding the floor. On the back there is just a picture of Julius in purple pajamas. This would be a duel image. It really stuck out to me and is why i chose to read this book. While reading i have noticed there are no pictures in the gutter, and the end papers have images of Lilly on it.

While using this book with children, before reading to my young audience i would ask questions like "which one do you think is Julius?" and " Who is the mouse in the mask?" After reading a page or 2 i would ask "How does Lilly feel about her brother?, How do you know?" i would also ask if there is any words they have never heard of before.

Overall i do think this is a great book, and recommend getting it if your child is about to have a sibling.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this one up to add to my Kevin Henkes's collection. I'd never read it before and wanted to see what it was about. I immediately disliked the book after reading it. Lilly is such an unlikeable character in this book. What happened to the little mouse from Lilly's Plastic Purse and Lilly's Big Day?

When Lilly's brother Julius is born, Lilly is hardly thrilled. She admits to pinching his tail, yelling insulting comments into his crib, and hating him. I wouldn't read this book to a group of impressionable two and three-year-olds. Hate is a very strong word and isn't often used in the right context.

Lilly asks when her new brother will be leaving, which is a question older siblings ask from time to time, but I think it's more of a curious question in most cases. Children sometimes think new siblings can be given away or returned, like a library book. In Lilly's case, she asks for selfish reasons. Lilly also uses the words disgusting and ugly when talking to/about Julius. Her "story" she tells to Julius is especially mean-spirited.

Telling your friends your new baby brother or sister isn't exactly what you'd thought it'd be is one thing... but calling them dreadful? Telling a pregnant woman she'll regret having her child? What is wrong with this little girl? She later has a dream about a cat attacking Julius and calls the dream "glorious." Lilly's liking to Julius came too fast and too late.

I feel Henkes, who is a very good writer of fictional children characters, completely missed the mark with this one. The event of having a new sibling can be handled in many ways, and it was handled very poorly here. I wouldn't recommend this be the first Kevin Henkes book a family read or as a new sibling book.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 2 out of 5]

This picture book is cute and colorful, with well-crafted text and vivid watercolor art, but I don't like the focus on Lilly's contempt for her younger brother. It's natural and understandable for siblings to resent a new arrival, and Lilly comes around in the end, but the repeated use of the word "hate" and vivid depictions of her disliking the baby went on too long, in my opinion.

This can be humorous for some children, but it seems to me that it is best to read in retrospect, looking back on one's first experience with a new sibling. I would not want to read this to a child who was expecting a new sibling soon, or was trying to adjust to one, because it seems to set them up for trouble, and encourage them to treat others in a disrespectful way. I can see how this book could be a therapeutic experience for a child who is afraid of their real feelings, can't express their frustrations, and needs to see big sibling angst expressed in a dramatic way in order to process their own struggles, but that is the only circumstance that would inspire me to share this book with a kid.

The story is supposed to be realistic and cute, but it just seemed harsh to me. I can see how Henkes was simply presenting a situation, not affirming it, but there are so many negative implications to Lilly's behavior that this isn't something I would want to normalize or model for children. It's important for older siblings to be emotionally honest and acknowledge their true feelings, but the hatred and nastiness in this book is far too much for me.

[Anna-Claire Pilkington · Rating 4 out of 5]

1) This book is about a young mouse, Lilly, and how her life is altered after her mom has another baby. Before the baby, Julius, is born, Lilly is excited and showers him with love. However, her attitude completely changes after his birth and she is jealous of all the attention he is getting. She calls him disgusting and does the opposite of what she is told to do when it comes to caring for him. Lilly demonstrates a major attitude change once she hears someone else talking badly about her baby brother-she then realizes he is a great baby.

2) The major themes of this story are sibling rivalry mixed in with changing family dynamics.

3) I really enjoyed and related to this story. I experienced my world changing when my little sister was born. It can be challenging but as Lilly showed, little siblings truly are the best once you get used to them.

4) I recommend this book to children who are about to have a little brother or sister. It is good for them to understand that the baby will get attention but that they are still loved. It is also a good demonstration of how helpful big siblings can be and how they can play a positive role in the new baby's life.

[Joshua Eddy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't normally write reviews, but this book deserves a warning.

For parents reading this to their only child in anticipation of a new baby: this book is not appropriate. It portrays hating your baby sibling as normal, which is a terrible concept to put in your current child's head. It portrays abuse of the baby by the sibling as normal... again, terrible behavior to introduce. It is quite long/repetitive and the redeeming twist comes way too late at the end and is not emphasized nearly enough. I regret reading this to my child (who lacks baby malice) and introducing those negative ideas -- I had to do damage control explaining that the main character was being mean from the start and explain where bad feelings for babies can come from and that the main character didn't follow the right way to deal with bad feelings towards a sibling.

I imagine this might possibly be appropriate for a child that already experienced negative feelings their sibling and behaves badly, and tries to show them that they should protect their sibling. (But if might just give that child more ideas for abuse.)

[Adams Eagles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diego M.
11

Review:
This story is about a girl name Lilly and her little brother Julius. Lilly was so nice to Julius when he was in his mom’s stomach.When Julius was born Lilly was rude to Julius because Lilly felt like she was invisible. Lilly parents sang the abc and 123 to Julius and Lilly sang it to him and she said B C A 213. Then one day there parents had a party with the family Lilly’s cousin Garland. Said something to julius and she said slimey pink nose his small black eye are beady.

I like how the pictures were drawn. I liked how they title the story. There is nothing i disliked from this story at all. I like the picture because I seen other books like this one. This is a really good book i read.

I would recommend this book because this is a good book i would share it to a friend. There is nothing wrong with this book it is a good book. I also recommend this book to you because this book is fun.

[David Schwenker · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a raw honesty here that is seldom found in children's books. It is uncomfortable reading the real actions and words children may do when they're misbehaving - pinching for seemingly no reason and using harsh words such as "hate" and "ugly". It is a form of cruelty but one that is enveloped in childhood innocence; there is a lack of self-awareness that the child hasn't yet mastered that prevents them from understanding the malice in their actions. Henkes shows this, though tempering it with humor to make it palpable without diluting the honesty. The ending is a marvel - Lilly is confronted with another child who perpetuates the same acts of cruelty; a confrontation which provides her an outsider perspective of her own actions. Her cruelty is replaced with compassion as she rallies to the defense of the victim. It is a wonderful transformation to behold. This may be the best of Henkes' "Mouse" books.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before Lilly's new baby brother Julius arrives, Lilly is thrilled to be having a new sibling. After Julius arrives home from the hospital of his birth, it's a different story. Lilly has always been queen. Queen of her household. Queen of the world. Suddenly, she must share attention with her new noisy, stinky baby brother Julius. Lilly tries everything to change the circumstances of Julius's arrival only, for the most part, to cause her to land in time out. It's not until her cousin arrives and, like Lilly, criticizes Julius, that Lilly finally comes to his defense.

Kevin Henkes is the king of sibling relationships. His delightful character Lilly (of famed, "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse" fame) is one of many adorably cute mice characters brought to life by the author-illustrator of so many early picture book characters, in ways that show, Henkes is one of those writers that gets inside a kids head better than anyone.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lilly has difficulty adjusting to the arrival of her baby brother.

Lilly was very excited about her new sibling while her mother was pregnant. But after he was born, she immediately became angry and resentful about how her life had changed. This manifests in constant animosity directed at her baby brother, which comprises most of the story.

Then during her brother’s open house, Lilly takes offense when her cousin voices the exact same sentiments about Julius as she has been expressing. From that moment on Lilly forgets her previous grievances and is a loving and protective big sister.

This isn’t a picture book that would be publishable nowadays. At times I was even shocked by Lilly’s behavior as realistic as it may be. Lilly needed more than timeouts on the uncooperative chair.

The resolution is a bit abrupt considering the duration and intensity of Lilly’s dislike for her brother.

[Kimberlee Jeswald · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the book to my two granddaughters, ages 5 and 3, that have just experienced having a new baby sister. I had mixed feelings as we were reading and felt the need to explain Lilly's feelings and harsh words she expressed towards her new baby brother Julius. I do feel children are built up with the excitement of a new sibling and when the reality of the experience happens and they are forced to share their time with this new person, parents need to assist in the transition, so that there are few feelings of resentment, especially at the level that Lilly was feeling. I do feel this could be a very realistic story for young children, but maybe Henkes could have toned down some of the words and illustrations that he used. I don't like putting ideas that are not so positive into little ones heads.

[Katelyn Otani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this book is an excellent children's book because of the underlying message found in the story. In this story, Lilly gets a new baby brother named Julius. She doesn't like him every much because she feels like all the attention is being taken off of her and being put on the mew baby. However, as soon as one of her cousins started being mean to Julius, Lilly defended her brother in a heart beat. I believe that this is a good book for children, especially ones who recently got a new sibling. This story is a simple way to show kids that once the baby is born, thing will be different but not bad. It also shows children that you don't always have to get along with your siblings, but at the end of the day, you love them no matter what.

[Deltora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of people hate (ha) on this book because they don't like that Lilly says she "hates" her new brother, and they think hate is too strong a world. That's ridiculous, where these people never kids themselves? when you're a kid and you like something, YOU LOVE IT. when you dislike something, YOU HATE IT. Kids have remarkable passions and they come out strong. So i view it as totally reasonable that when a child gets a new sibling and they are no longer the center of attention as they have been all their life, they would hate that.

And by the end of the book, she learns her lesson, she grows up a bit, she defends her brother with that same level of passion.

I like this book like i love all of Henkes books, and when i say i like it, i mean I LOVE IT.