"[W]onderfully written and illustrated book."
-NewsLine (The Federation for Children with Special Needs), Volume 26, Number 2, Fall 2005

"This sequel to We'll Paint the Octopus Red is narrated by Emma, a nine-year-old girl whose three-year-old brother Isaac has Down syndrome. 'My Isaac is not like other little brothers. He is worse.' Emma loved helping take care of baby Isaac, but now that he's a spirited toddler, it seems like 'nothing I do makes him happy.' Emma especially wants Isaac to learn to talk but when she tries to sign with him, he 'spit at me and pushed me away.' But when an understanding teacher interacts with Isaac at Emma's Open House, Emma discovers that her attempts to help Isaac learn have sunk in after all, and that Isaac isn't really all that different from other little boys. 'Isaac, like other little brothers? No way! He's better.' Realistic illustrations set against pale backgrounds are on the dull side, but this is a refreshingly honest look at the point of view of a typical developing sibling, showing negative emotions while retaining a believable sense of optimism and affection. Isaac's condition is not mentioned directly in the text, but information is included at the back why talking can be difficult for children with Down syndrome, and about the usage of sign language."
-Notes from the Windowsill "Flipside Families" bibliography

"Siblings will find this book, which includes a helpful list of questions and answers about sign language, both educational and encouraging."
-NDSS Update, Fall 2005

"The text is simple but the message could be shared with a fairly wide audience."
-School Library Journal

"This is a sequel to We'll Paint the Octopus Red, an engaging children's story about Emma, a little girl who finds out her new baby brother has Down syndrome. Three years later, cute baby Isaac is now a toddling three-year-old. Nowhere in the story is it mentioned that Isaac has DS. The story's focus is on the sibling relationship, which seems pretty typical to me (independent toddler, annoyed big sister). It emphasizes the 'sameness,' which I have to think is an encouraging message to families of young children who may often focus on what's different. In the story, Isaac's family is trying to teach him sign language so that he doesn't get so frustrated with communication. At the end of the book, there are questions and answers about sign language and why children with DS may sign. This book would be a nice additon to a children's library, at home or school."
-NDSC Down Syndrome News, Volume 28, Number 6

"The Best Worst Brother, Woodbine House, 2005, is a straightforward story with an underlying message. This book may be read to children by parents or vice versa and will likely spur some animated conversation about the value of patience."
-ARCLIGHT, Autumn 2007