Živilė Labutė, Simona Jurčiukonytė. Sesė (Sister), Vilnius: Gudri lapė, 2024. – 32 p.  

In her debut picture book for children, the educationalist Živilė Labutė (b. 1989) explores an experience familiar to many: the arrival of a new sibling in the family. The story follows a curious and playful fox, who dreams of having a sister. One day, her wish comes true, but not quite as expected – instead of a sister, she receives… a baby brother! Feeling confused and somewhat disappointed, the little fox makes a wise decision: even though she longed for a sister, she resolves to become the best sister possible to her brother.

The book’s illustrations were created by young-generation children’s book illustrator Simona Jurčiukonytė (b. 1994), marking her third illustrated book. Warm colours, monumental yet refined forms with intricate textures, and expressive drawings create a cosy home atmosphere. The book’s illustrations were selected by the Lithuanian section of IBBY as one of the top three best illustrated books in Lithuania in 2024.
Illustrator’s portfolio: https://www.behance.net/jsimona

Contact for rights: zivilelabute@gmail.com