Big Sisters Are the Best

February 1, 2013

PreS-Gr 1-These two books are identical with the exception of the illustrations and a few word substitutions. The stories follow a preschooler who has just become an older sibling. The narrator tells what it is like to be a big brother or sister, explaining things like sleeping in a big bed versus a crib, that babies can be loud when they are hungry or when they need a new diaper, that you need to be quiet when they're asleep, and that you need to be gentle when you hug them. Manushkin also emphasizes that even older siblings aren't too big to be held on Mommy's lap or ride on Daddy's back and that having alone time with the parent is still especially important for them. In Brothers, the child plays with traditional toys like trucks and makes castles, while in Sisters the youngster paints and plays with a baby doll. These gender stereotypes aside, the books are excellent introductions to the topic and could be greatly utilized.-Lora Van Marel, Orland Park Public Library, IL

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2013
Nearly identical texts celebrate being an older sibling. Focusing on the good ("Little babies drink bottles. Big sisters eat cupcakes!"), with a nod to the less-so ("Little babies are LOUD and a little smelly"), the overly purposeful books take a decidedly positive and empowering approach to the topic. The friendly illustrations reinforce the big kid's important role in the family.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)