Siblings Books

The story follows a number of themes, including the challenges of growing up in our complicated modern world, family loyalties, love of nature, and the environmental concerns that threaten our way of life. These real-life issues are told with an over-lay of fantasy and magic, weaving them together in a delightful book.

I was connected to this book through Roots and Shoots as a book club choice. The girls from my group loved reading it. It had great lessons about nature, plants, beliefs, and coming of age in modern day.
Great for a book club for girls 11-14.

Only three people see and understand the power in a grove of larch trees called Girlwood: the power that holds fairies, and that gives Polly the ability to protect her reckless teen sister Bree, who runs away from home. Can Girlwood protect against developers who want to cut down the forest? A fine story of magic and fantasy evolves in a fine read for young adults who want uplifting adventure.

With one foot in the modern world and one foot in a world of fantasy, Claire Dean's Girlwood takes us into the life of Polly Greene, who can see the colors that surround people, revealing their true selves. Polly's older sister, Bree, disappears into the woods one night, and Polly is the only one who believes she has not run far, that she's hiding nearby to heal her out-of-control life.

When Polly finds a magical clearing hidden among the trees, she's certain that her sister is close, and she determines to leave her food and clothing and healing plants to help Bree survive until she's ready to return.

Girlwood explores many themes as Polly enlists the help of friends and family in her mission:
What's the value of nature compared to development?
Why do girls sometimes subvert their own personalities when they start to date?
How does divorce affect family dynamics?
How can parents teach and protect their children while also allowing them to have independent thoughts?

The themes are woven into a story that is as enchanting as the magical clearing, Girlwood, itself. And by the end, you may even find yourself searching for your own Girlwood.

This is my favorite book ever! A beautifully-written, uplifting, green story of a girl who refuses to believe that her sister is lost forever. Three generations of women find their way back to each other and magic literally lights up the woods. Everyone should read this book. Perfect for mothers and daughters to read together.

I got this book when I was pregnant with my 3rd child. My oldest was at the age where he wanted to know what was going on. He asked THE question. I was looking through books at the bookstore and was shocked at all the kids books on this subject that go into explicit detail of how conceptions occur. I was not ready to tell my 5 yr old what his penis is for. I found this one and was relieved to find a book that doesnt go that into detail (the other had pictures of "the act"!!). I sat down with him and my 2 yr old daughter and ready through the book. They were very interested in this. They loved the pictures of the developing babies (and so did I), the text was easy to read, and easy to follow. It explained just what they needed to know at this stage. I recommend this book for those who have kids asking where babies come from, or how the doctor gets the baby out (as my son asked).

Bought this book for my 5 1/2 yr old to help with visual pics. of the new baby coming into the family. Great book all around ... did raise some interesting questions though with the pictures of sperm getting into the egg!!! she wanted to know how it got there ....

One of the best books on this subject I've seen. It has accurate, interesting, information.

Every parent dreads that moment. You know the one I mean- that moment when your child begins to ask about S-E-X. This book is a wonderful aid to help you through it.

Most experts suggest only giving as much information as a child is ready for, and answering the questions as they come up. This book is wonderful for the beginning stages of this process when your child wants to know where babies come from, but is neither ready for nor interested in the details of conception. This book has beautiful pictures of babies in utero in various stages of development and gently discusses the development of the fetus, the birth of the baby (in a non-graphic but honest way), and the excitement of welcoming a new life into the world.

I bought this for my eight year old, but it is gentle and non-graphic enough that my 3 year old loves it, as well. In fact, I wish I'd had this book when I was pregnant with my younger child. This would be a wonderful book for expectant mothers to share with their older children as they prepare for a new sibling.

There are other books out there that will answer more advanced questions in a more graphic way. This book is not going to answer everything, but it is the perfect book to use for beginning the journey of educating your children about reproduction, and it is written in such a way that parents can easily discuss their own beliefs with their children.

Joanna Cole has done so much for children's literature in her lifetime that it is difficult to speak of noteworthy non-fiction titles for kids without bringing up her name. She's the genius behind the simultaneously fun and factual, "Magic School Bus" series. She has tackled "issue" topics, such as children having to deal with more siblings. She's even collected jump rope rhymes, potty trained our youngsters, written comprehensive books full of recommended folktales, and much much more. One of her greatest accomplishments, however, was the creation of the go-to sex-ed book for tots, "How You Were Born". Though not a perfect source, the book is extraordinarily careful to avoid confusion or factual misinformation. For children too old for such beginning texts as "Where Willy Went" by Nicholas Allan or "Mommy Laid An Egg" by Babette Cole, "How You Were Born" is the most sophisticated and comprehensive of these three. It is also the most reliable.

The book begins with a Note to Parents. In this note, Ms. Cole explains that while misunderstandings about birth and conception may seem charming in little children, it doesn't do them a heckuva lot of good in the long run. As an author, Cole urges parents to speak frankly with their children about where babies come from. In her most insightful sentence, Cole reminds parents that, "When parents establish this kind of open, caring relationship from an early age, children will have a reliable source of information and guidance to turn to as they grow". Be honest early on and reap the dividends when your children get hit by the puberty stick (and require "It's Perfectly Normal" by Robie H. Harris). Using photographs to convey real-life answers for children, Cole shows what it's like for babies in the womb. She then talks somewhat about the different physical make-up of men and women and mentions that when sperm and egg join together, they create a cell that becomes a baby. There is no discussion of the sexual act itself. We see cells divide, and a 5 week old baby in the process of growing. Moms get large and eventually birth takes place. Badda bing, badda boom.

It's interesting to note that while Cole is explicit in explaining some things (she has a photograph of a woman giving birth, thereby leaving NO guessing on that matter) she never once talks about the sexual act itself. In the original 1984 version (but NOT the more recent reissue of the book) we see that men have penises and women have vaginas, but in all the talk of sperm joining with egg.... well, it's left just a touch shaky. When you consider that books like "Mommy Laid An Egg" have zippo qualms about explaining (nay, showing) the act, it's all the odder that Ms. Cole avoids talking about it.

There are several different versions of "How You Were Born" that you should know about, prior to checking out this title. If you go to your local library to borrow it, you may find yourself with the original 1984 edition. While factually correct, parents may find it especially funny. There are a lot of moustaches, tube socks, and 80's fashions to wade through in this book (not to mention the pencil drawings of men and women circa 1952). If you go out and purchase the updated 1994 edition of "How You Were Born", you'll have far better photos, but some interesting changes. Gone are the dry pictures of vaginas and penises. The Note to Parents is still there, but it changes words, phrases, and sentence structures around for no particular reason. Instead of children now sometimes worrying that if the baby is in the "tummy" it will be showered with "chunks of pizza or hot coffee", now the child is worried that the baby will be showered with "chunks of pizza or hot soup". Apparently "coffee" was too violent an image to contend with in 1994. Odd. Other changes abound, but the essential structure of the book is the same and just as useful as it was back in the age of leg warmers and Mary Lou Retton.

"How You Were Born" remains the go-to sex-ed guide for small children today. It's a pity that it remains so lacking in the sexual-act-department, but at least it's chock full of enough educational know-how and professional expertise to guarantee it a permanent spot in every family's home. A wonderful book that should not be relied on solely for this kind of information but rather incorporated with other books of its kind.

Judy Moody tried to fake being sick because she didn't want to go to school. Later on in the school year, she did an operation on a zucchini for a class project. I thought this was a very humorous story. It was incredible! i really liked it.
-RC, student

My son (8 years old) liked it a lot. He read it in one day and wanted more.

These are great books for the 8-10 year old girl. My daughter does not like to read and yet this series has captured her imagination and kept her engrossed for long periods. Well meaning topics and fun reading for kids.

Judy Moody, M.D
The Doctor Is In!
By Megan McDonald

Judy Moody is back!!! This time Judy has a challenge to become just like her idol, Elizabeth Blackwell, the first women doctor. Judy has a school assignment and it's about the human body. Judy dresses up like Elizabeth Blackwell for her project and operates on her patient, a zucchini. Meanwhile her brother, Stink gets sick, and her friend Frank tries to clone a guinea pig that is Jessica Finch's, Judy's enemy. This book is for kids of all ages. The illustrator did an awesome job on all the pictures and the author describes the situations beautifully and you can get a picture in your mind about what she is talking about. This book is really laugh out loud funny. I think that Judy is hilarious because she tries all these crazy things and she thinks that she can become the first girl doctor. Are Judy's friends there to help her or betray her? Hope you enjoy this book!!

Judy Moody is a spunky third grader who wants to become a doctor. When Judy finds out she has to do a project for school she is really happy and wants to do it on Elizabeth Blackwell, first female doctor. While working on the report her brother gets sick and now Judy Moody has her first patient. Judy tries all kinds of ways to make her brother, Stink, feel much better.

The class really liked Judy's report. Next, her friends played a trick on her. When she found out, she was really mad and did not want to talk to them anymore. Now, poor Judy gets sick and has to stay home for twelve days. Luckily, she has good friends who come to her house and help make her feel better.

By Anna C. T.

A great read for new parents of twins! This book provides great common sense solutions to the seemingly endless challenges of raising two at once!

The author has produced a book that covers everything anyone needs to know to successfully keep their sanity while learning how to handle those precious little bundles of joy that came two in a package, rather than one. The book makes being a mother of twins sound almost fun! A must read!

I loved the humor and common sense that is included in every tip in the book. Regan-Loomis sheds light to the many roles that we must take as new parents/parents of twins and provides in detail, the many ways we can prepare, care and remain sane at the same time. The book provides wisdom, wit and great strategies, all of which are helpful, doable, and most importantly allows care for the babies as well as the parents!

Meghan has a put together a great collection of 'how-tos' on parenting twins. A great resource for those in this whirlwind time!!

From double vision to twenty twenty, this practical guide does help to bring order to chaos. Regan-Loomis has a down to earth sense of humor, as well as super practical solutions for sleep deprived parents. Her book is proof that parents of twins can survive and thrive with intelligence and wit intact.

I have been searching for this book since we had our first grandchild five years ago. I read it to my girls; it was one of their favorites. I'm sure our copy fell apart from "too much love" and I want to be sure our grandchildren have a chance to experience Morris.

This charming little book has been an important part of our children's Christmas for 15 years. We have had to replace it several times due to loving wear. Now we give it regularly to friends young and old. A perfect story, gentle and understanding, for everyone who remembers being a little kid at Christmas.

From the first reading this book was an instant top of the bookshelf for my two sons,and then later my niece. It is simple, but somehow entertains the imagination magically. Just what does go on inside of that bag??? Even though the kids are now teenagers, they still argue over who truely owns "Morris". This Christmas all three "kids" will receive their own copy, but mom is keeping the orignal hardback version!

This was one of my favorite books when I was a little girl. In my early 20s, I somehow thought of this book and tried to find it again, but I couldn't remember the author's name or the title of the book. All I remembered were bunnies and a "disappearing bag." I am ordering this book right away. This book is a must for all children.

Like all of Rosemary Wells' work, this book could not be improved upon! I grew up on her books, and still collect them. Her characters are illustrated in such a way that their every expression enchants, and not a word is wasted in the creation of a perfect story. In Morris' Disappearing Bag, youngest child Morris feels left out on Christmas morning while his three older siblings exchange turns playing with each others' new toys. Morris will not be consoled by his parents or by his new teddy bear. But (in characteristic Wells fashion) a surprise is in store for us that will make this Christmas a magical one for Morris--and an unforgettable read for everyone. (I've read this book every year since 1980, and I assure you, it's a must-have!)

Rosemary Wells always knows how to touch the heart, be the reader adult or toddler. Max and Ruby and her Bunny Planet books are fantastic, but please keep a look out for her older (and just as perfect) ones as well.

Sheila Rae has a peppermint stick and she's having a great time taunting her little sister Louise with it. Natural consequences take over and Sheila Rae learns a lesson.

This is one of our favorites! We have a great time reading this book, and we like to embellish with the voices. I highly recommend it!

Who can resist a Henkes book? Move over Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse and Julius the Baby of the World...another book by Henkes which is surely destined to be a children's classic has arrived!
We parents remember what it is like to have a treat all of our own and our reluctance to share it, and our preschoolers can certainly relate to the dilemma! "I want to share it but if I do I will have less for myself". When a mishap befalls the peppermint stick the sharing process becomes much easier and both girls in the story are delighted with the outcome. After all, Sheila Rae was planning on sharing from the very beginning. (Or so she says!)A fun story with adorable pictures.

Most board books are descriptive - 'Cow says moo...Sheep says baa..etc.'. But this one has a storyline, amusing and cleverly constructed characters, and very expressive illustrations. It is amazing that this kind of a story has been made to fit in a board book format.

The story is about two mice - Sheila Rae, the older sister, has a peppermint stick that her younger sister, Louise, covets. Sheila Rae teases her in a typical big sisterly way, and says she can have a lick if she can guess how many stripes there are on the stick. Sheila Rae knows that Louise cannot guess correctly. In the end, Sheila Rae climbs high up on a stool and some books, and says Louise can have the stick if she can reach it. But then, Sheila Rae herself stumbles and falls, and the peppermint breaks into two pieces, one for each sister. A clever and face-saving solution for both sisters who then hug and kiss.

The illustrations are simple but very cute and convey the ages and attitudes of the two characters - the smug, teasing older sister who looks six, and a smaller younger sister (maybe three years old) who follows her big sister around and hangs on to her every word, while clutching her teddy bear.

This book is perfect to read aloud with preschoolers (like Louise). Slightly older children (the Sheila Raes) can read the book by themselves. It is a very interesting book that beginning readers will want to read again and again.

If you haven't met Kevin Henkes or his little mice characters, you and your child (or your grandchild) are missing a great experience. In this book, Sheila Rae has a peppermint stick that she's having a hard time sharing. The illustrations are delightful, and the situations in all of Henkes' books are true to life, so any child can relate and learn something without a bit of sermonizing. If you like this story, try "Owen's Marshmallow Chick" and "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse". Don't miss the expression in his characters' eyes as you flip through the books. Your little ones will love reading and rereading them. The board books are just right for the tiniest hands. My one-year old grandson, three-year old granddaughter, and the students in my reading classes are all Kevin Henkes fans. If you have a chance to meet him, grab the opportunity. He's a shy, gifted author and illustrator.

A favourite of young and old alike at the Watts' house, this book has it all. (Ignore the review that says Louise grabs the stick and breaks it...she does no such thing.) It's perfect for reading aloud--or for reciting by those who aren't yet reading. The brief, well-chosen text lends itself easily to expressive vocal interpretation. Loads of personality are packed into the simple, cartoon-ish illustrations. All this plus a great plot and twist on a child's level make this book one of our most cherished.

I bought this to fill out as a gift for my sister's 30th birthday. It is awesome!! Memories came flooding back as I read the pages which include birthdays, family trips, fights, fashion, boys, school, etc. This is going to be fun to fill out and fun to give to my sister! The book also includes several spaces for pictures. Highly recommended as a sentimental yet fun gift idea!!

Note that the pictures of the front and back cover as shown in the "look inside" section are different from the item shown...mine arrived as the item shown (green front w/ purple spine & 2 white daisies).

This is the most awesome gift you can give your sister. I have a sister who has everything and what she wants and doesn't have she goes and buys for herself anyway. Buying a gift for her has always been difficult but this book is something she cannot get for herself. I had alot of fun filling it out and digging through old photographs, letters and my own memories to fill it in. I havn't given it to her yet, it's for Christmas, but I can't wait to see her face when she receives it. The best thing is that it is priceless.

I bought this as a gift for my sister for her wedding. everyone had to pass it around and see it was almost the biggest hit. You are able to capture all of your greatest memories not only as siblings, but also as best friends.

The sisters memory book is a fun scrapbook project. Each page includes a prompt to enter photographs and details of a specific event from teachers, vacations, pets, to embarassing moments. I gave this book to my sisters when she graduated from college. It is a precious, thoughtful gift that she treasures.

I bought and completed this book as a gift for my sister. Its full of all our special memories and pictures. When I gave the completed book to my sister and she read it she was so moved that she cried. She shows it to anyone who will sit still. Your sister will love this book! (If you don't want to use original pictures in the book try copying them on a high quality color copier. It works great!)

This was a spontaneous grab from the library, but I want to buy a copy as I'm sure I'll want to read it again. The characters jump right off the page and you can't help but care for them. The brothers' relationship is very realistic and I never knew what was going to happen next. A wonderful ride, honest and heartfelt. I was very impressed with this and hope to read more from this author.

In this novel written by Michael Harmom, a teenager boy, Ian McDermott, has serious issues, caused by the dangerous environment; his mother is alcoholic, and a drug addict and she brings her love mates to her house, she also spends most of the time on the streets, leaving Ian to take care of his brother. This doesn't help Ian at all. What he needs from the "system" is some help; what he gets is placed on a list of kids who the principal wants out of his school as soon as possible. When he had enough of the "system", he took it out on Coach Florence, and he knows that the principal is not going to help and he can't afford to go to Juvie, because his little, Sammy, needs him. Now its time to skate! Skate to their dad, their dad who left them in the first place. His adventures will change his life!

This book shows that everything might not be what you think, because Ian McDermott thought that society was out to get people who did not have a life, but society actually helped him get his life back!

Ok this may be a kids review. But I'm not a kid.

This book is a page turner. It took me about 3 days to read the whole book because of homework, school and other things. But i was always iching to keep reading. The lanuage is a litle for an older crowd and the content in the story may not be suitable for readers under the age of 10.

But this book has a very good story line. the auother makes you want to keep reading and you never know what is coming next. The outcome of the story is really good.

So in conclusion I recomend this book to the older crowd over ages 10. You will love this book !!

Micahel Harmon's SKATE tells of siblings alone: Ian's been raising his brother without his mother's aid, and when trouble hits, Ian grabs Sammy and runs to the one relative they can think of, across the state of Washington in winter.

Fifteen-year-old Ian McDermott already has a tough life: He's never really known his father, his mother is a drug addict and spends most of her time on the streets, and he is left caring for his younger brother, Sammy. What he needs from "the system" is some help; what he gets is placed on a list of kids who the principal wants out of his school as soon as possible. And, when he takes a swing at Coach Florence and breaks his jaw, he knows that the principal is going to get his wish. But, Ian cannot go to juvie--who will take care of Sammy? Their mom is out of the question, and if Sammy goes into foster care, Ian knows they will be apart at least three years, until Ian turns eighteen. There is only one option: They have to find their dad.

The last address Ian has for Samuel McDermott is in Walla Walla--quite a walk from Spokane. But they have no choice, so they hit the road before the cops can arrest Ian for assault. Through the cold, the rain, and many nights of hunger, the brothers trudge forward, dodging the authorities, determined to find their father. But, when they finally arrive, will the address prove to be their saving grace, or will their dreams be shattered in this impractical--maybe impossible--quest?

Michael Harmon's first novel hits the mark with its realistic portrayal of teen rage, drug culture, and the bond that exists between brothers. He manages to have his characters speak in voices that are both hilarious and heartbreaking, never taking the reader so far down that hope is lost, but also never reaching for solutions which render the story unbelievable: "Samuel McDermott or not, I was Ian McDermott, and the way I saw life was the way I'd live life" (p. 167).

Reviewed by: Mechele R. Dillard

I am constantly on the look out for ENTERTAINING children's books for my toddlers (age 18 months and almost 3 years old) Educational books are nice, but at this point, I want a book which captures their attention, allows me to interact with them (strange noises, motions etc.) and is a book that I don't mind reading a thousand times. Snip! Snap! is perfect in all three areas. When I found this at the library, I knew I had to have it. I know that some of the reviewers are saying that it could be scary for younger children, but I guess its all in the delivery. Besides, my little ones are used to older siblings (teenagers) playing the "I'm going to get you" game. A fun, lyrical, action-filled book for toddlers and up!

My 2 1/2 year old grandson asks for this book over and over. He loves the part "were they scared?" Great repetition for children. We love this book!

My 3-year old and I got this book out at the library. She loved reading it (and I loved reading it to her) so much that I am making sure to buy a copy for ourselves.

Starting with the illustrations... I asked my daughter... "Uh oh...what happened here?" (someone left the door open), and then as the alligator goes creeping into the house the question is reiterated..."and were the children scared?" To which my daughter would shout..."YOU BET THEY WERE!" While it could be just a tale about a scary alligator (!), it's really about being empowered and not playing the victim, a lesson that could be used in a variety of situations-- the children "have enough" at the end and they must up their courage and shout.... "Alligator, You Get Out!" (And was the alligator scared?) My daughter LOVED shouting the answer, every time.

You know when you love a children's book, when you don't secretly groan and roll your eyes when you child asks for it... and this is one we love.

My 5 year old loves this book. I read it to his classmates in small groups at school, and they adored it and begged me to read it again. It is cute, not too scary, but let's them think it's about something scary. The illustrations are clever. The repetition in the story encouraged my young friends to read along with me; everytime I read, "Were the children scared?" they "read" along with me, "YOU BET THEY WERE!" My 5 year old still loves to shout that one out as we read it. I cannot fully describe how engaged all my son's classmates were. Their eyes were wide, their smiles were big, they leaned forward and inched closer and closer to me until they were nearly in my lap. Big hit! Recommend for ages 4-7.

If it is reading time, my three-year-old granddaughter always searches for this book. She recognizes one repetitive phrase throughout the book and now joins in the reading. This interaction and the wonderful illustrations, delight her. The story encourages children to face their fears in a fun rather than didactic manner.

Peter Golenbock (Bums An Oral History of the Brooklyn Dodgers) has written a simple but eloquent children's retelling of the story of Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese.

Jackie Robinson was the first black man to play modern Major League baseball. He joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, in the face of incredible opposition and violent resistance.

Pee Wee Reese, the Captain of the Dodgers, was a Southerner. Although asked to sign a petition barring Jackie Robinson from the team, Pee Wee Reese refused to sign. Pee Wee Reese, who was greatly respected throughout the sport of baseball, thus put an end to any talk of petitions and player strikes.

Jackie Robinson was the target of viciously aimed pitches. He was spiked by opposing players. His life was threatened by racist fans. He was verbally abused in the worst way by fans and players.

Everyone remembers the central incident of TEAMMATES, though there is disagreement as to where it happened. On this particular day, the verbal abuse of Jackie Robinson had reached a fearsome level. Pee Wee Reese stepped from the dugout. He approached Jackie Robinson and put his arm around him. The crowd fell silent.

This simple gesture is remembered as one of the finest moments not only in baseball but in American history, and has been immortalized by a statue which stands in Brooklyn today.

Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson became more than teammates. They became friends.

Peter Golenbock's well-written tale is easy for children to understand, and will help them develop sensitivity, empathy, tolerance, and a sense of equality with others who may (or may not) be different than themselves.

This book is AN ESSENTIAL READ for children of all ages.

This book is being used in our area to link fifth grade classrooms because there is a focus on civil rights at that level. It is just an excellent re-telling of the friendship between Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reeves. Despite some conflict about the exact details, the story is true and is eloquently told. I highly recommend this book both as a read-aloud and as a conversation starter between urban and suburban classrooms wishing to link. There is also s subtle lesson about restraint as the manager of the team is described looking for a player that would control his temper when faced with unjust racist treatment.

This book teaches you alot about how blacks were treated back in the day. When Jackie Robinsion was signed to the Dodgers the fans and players treated him really badly. People threw stuff at him. Then a young teammate stood up for him and saved him from being ban from the team. So you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.

A simple telling of how Jackie Robinson came to play in the major leagues, this book portrays the prejudice he faced in a basic way that children can understand. And it shines a bright light on a quiet moment: PeeWee Reese's brave public declaration of solidarity with his teammate. This book has been my son's favorite for the past two years, since he was five.

Teammates

Teammates is about 2 men named
Pees wee Reese and Jackie Robinson. Both of them were baseball players on the same
Team called the dogers. Pee wee
Reese was white and Jackie rob-
Inson was black. They were both
Friends and helped each other out. The players on their team
Came mostly from the south, men
Had been taught to avoid black
People since childhood. They moved to another table
Whenever Jackie sat down next
To them. Many opposing players
Were cruel to Jackie, calling him mean names from their
Dugouts. A few tried to hurt
Him with their spiked shoes.
It was bad for Jackie. Pitchers
Aimed for his head, and he
Received threats on his life,
Both from individuals and from
Oramizations like the Ku Klux
Klan. Jackie avoided all of it,
And made the team. Jackie and
Pee wee became really great
Friends and baseball legends.