What an irresistible idea for a picture book. Jacob comes home from school to find a mysterious package. While chomping on a bowl of Chocky Chocko Good Grain Nutflakes, he remembers that he had sent away to their big cereal contest. The box is his prize! It’s a miniature pioneer log cabin. (The reader’s eyes widen.) Jacob examines his treasure. Hey, was that teeny grandfather clock ticking? (Gotchya.) When he takes off the removable roof he finds four tiny perfect dolls tucked into four tiny perfect beds. Finally, at bedtime, there is one set of “Goodnights” too many. Jacob creeps over to his log cabin to investigate and is surprised by four lively and endlessly demanding little dolls. (Smiles all around.) Our hero is kept busy feeding, clothing, bathing, and entertaining his petite princesses.

Jacob’s Best Sisters is the second collaboration for the award-winning team of Teddy Jam and Joanne Fitzgerald. (Their first outing garnered a Governor General’s Award for Dr. Kiss Says Yes.) Fitzgerald’s soft and engaging illustrations are immediately appealing but especially so when the mischievous little dolls are scampering around bare-butted after their bath in the sink. Her illustrations are further enhanced by the book’s clean, crisp, and accessible design.

Unfortunately, the adorable dolls steal the story, which creates a bit of a problem since Jacob is left almost in the lurch, and the reader, a bit empty-handed. More clues about what kind of child he was before the invasion would have been welcome. Perhaps a more playful progression hinting at his excitement, confusion, or delight during the escapade would have made the romp and the story all the more satisfying. As it is, our hero is graced with a peculiar aplomb from beginning to end. The kid’s an enigma and since we know so little about him, the title fails to hit home.

Nevertheless, the story’s delicious premise of the “magic to be mined in a cereal box” is guaranteed to stir the imagination of children everywhere. This, and the book’s pleasing presentation will likely captivate its very young audience.