Little Brothers & Little Sisters

by Monica Arnaldo

Overview

Little sisters and little brothers all long for the same few things when it comes to their older siblings: a turn to play, a place on the team, a chance to shine. This book starts with four pairs of siblings in and around an apartment complex, each expressing through play and daily life the many gripes and pitfalls of younger siblings.



Subtly, the narrative shifts to reflect the good things that come with having an older sibling: a helping hand, a partner in crime, a friend for life. The book ends on a high note—when it comes to brothers and sisters, the good outweighs the bad, and both big and little siblings have a special place in each others’ hearts. Minimal text paired with impressionistic, full-spread illustrations creates weight and emotion in this lovely book that will help kids feel understood in all the pains and joys of siblinghood.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781771472951
Publisher:	Owlkids Books
Publication date:	04/15/2018
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

MONICA ARNALDO grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, where she was sometimes allowed inside her older brother’s forts. Drawn to illustration by her passion for children’s books, she combines a variety of media to create images full of character. She and her husband live in Montreal with their daughter, Beatrice.

Editorial Reviews

"This universal take on the positives and negatives of the pecking order will ring true to and be enjoyed by children."

Booklist

"This book will warm your heart and bring comfort to your soul. It needs to be shared."

Sal’s Fiction Addiction

"This universal take on the positives and negatives of the pecking order will ring true to and be enjoyed by children."

Booklist

03/01/2018
PreS-Gr 2—This book explores familial relationships from the point of view of younger siblings. The casual, informal tone mirrors the narrator's childlike perception of the various happenings explored in the book's illustrations. Waiting for a turn at the wheel, a chance to lead, and to join in the older sibling's play are among the scenarios depicted. There is a notable shift in the background color midway through the book as the older child offers a helping hand, a shield of protection, and teaches and treats their sibling as "a partner in crime." This transformation mimics the transition of day to night, and is also reflected in the narrative. VERDICT A charming and heartwarming look at the complex and diverse nature of relationships among family members.—Deanna Smith, Pender County Public Library, NC

School Library Journal

★ 2018-02-04
A heartfelt reflection on the trials and joys of sibling dynamics.A multiracial cast of characters with varied skin tones and hair textures greets readers on the cover, and many will note that each of the younger-looking children peering out a window (the eponymous little brothers and sisters) bears a physical resemblance to one of the older siblings pictured below. There are four pairs in all, and at the beginning of the book Arnaldo depicts them in various scenarios in which the younger kids are "all longing for the same few things…." These "things" translate into pictures of the children looking with envy at older kids' more-sophisticated toys and feeling put upon by or excluded from the big kids' play. None of the scenes depict outright cruelty on the part of the older siblings, which allows the eventual shift to highlight the positive aspects of being a little brother or sister to feel not only plausible, but natural. The change happens when a little sister longs for "invisibility" after breaking her big sister's trophy, and then this desire morphs into hoping for a "second chance." A softness in the big sister's expression and stance suggests she'll grant forgiveness, and the ensuing pages show big siblings demonstrating similar generosity as they offer a "helping hand" and otherwise act as protectors, co-conspirators, teachers, leaders, and finally, satisfyingly, as "best friend[s]."Big love for this little book. (Picture book. 3-8)

Kirkus Reviews

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