Siblings Books

Adam and Jeremy Krasner are brothers who share a common love for baseball. Adam, the younger brother has concerns about Jeremy. Jeremy is one year older than Adam and is partially mainstreamed in the local school the boys attend. Jeremy's social development is quite delayed and his behavior is described as having autistic overtones. He is also behind his peers academically.

Adam sometimes finds Jeremy's behavior embarrassing, such as when Jeremy pitched a fit in a restaurant after Adam did well in a baseball game. One can feel Adam's justifiable resentment and shame and also Jeremy's anguish at not being able to fit in with his peers.

One child accepts Jeremy. Tommy, a 3rd-grader in the neighborhood, looks up to Jeremy and the pair enjoy imaginative role playing (not a behavior readily found on the autism spectrum); joking and sharing a love for gardening. Jeremy is also a Beatles' fan, which I think speaks to excellent taste and cultural appreciation.

Tommy sounded like he was good for Jeremy and I was really disgusted with Jeremy's mother for threatening to punish him for playing with a younger child. Tommy was the one person who accepted Jeremy and enjoyed him, so I think it would have been beneficial to all to allow those boys to enjoy their friendship. I thought it was a good thing that Jeremy did not obey this draconian edict and continued his friendship with Tommy.

Adam is having problems with a boy on his team. Eddie, a rather rough boy takes his anger out on his peers. Unable to confront his abusive father, Eddie makes baseball a blood sport. Eddie also creates other havoc and it is up to Adam to go to bat for Jeremy when Jeremy is being charged with vandalism.

In the end, fraternal love proves strong and will leave readers cheering and rooting for the Krasner Brothers, the baseball fan and the Beatle fan.

The Krasners moved a few months ago to the town of Glen Haven, an hour drive from where they previously lived. Although it is not mentioned why this move took place, I assumed it was related to the father's employment. Adam's older brother is Jeremy, in the seventh grade and attending the junior high school. Jeremy is neurologically impaired and needs tutors in the home plus takes special classes in school. After playing baseball at the neighborhood field Adam caught the attention of a seventh grader named Eddie Gordon. Adam is flattered that someone wants to be friends with him since his brother's outbursts usually cause others to bypass him.

Mr. Gordon is the coach for the Little League team where Adam and Eddie are both pitchers. Adam's Mother encourages him to have his brother involved in the same things, so Jeremy ends up on the Little League team, even though he hates it, but his Mother wants him to be around his peers. Eddie has been picking on Jeremy since they moved into town, but Adam is not really aware of this due to being at different schools, so he ignores his brother's constant complaining of how Eddie calls him a retard on the bus and looks at him with mean eyes.

Throughout And Don't Bring Jeremy are many conversations with Adam, Jeremy and their parents at the kitchen table. It is quite funny to read how the author was able to convey just what a sixth and seventh grader feel and how they describe certain aspects of their parents in detailed observations. When Adam remarks how when his Mother makes a certain noise with her nose when she is exasperated I chuckled and tried to imagine such a noise! It is clear that his Mother has the last word all the time, but on the other hand she tends to push Jeremy off onto Adam and that seems unreasonable at times. I felt as a parent there was a lack of parental involvement on her part as she was always busy fixing and decorating the new house.

Jeremy likes to take his bike and ride around the block and this worries Adam, but as Jeremy says he is older and can do it too. But there is a third grader down the street that Jeremy stops and plays with to the discord of his Mother. She has repeatedly warned Jeremy to not go there and try to make friends with kids his own age.

Adam has described his brother as walking funny, eating gross and dressing sloppy with frequent outbursts that always caught him off guard and waiting for the next one to happen. He could feel when they were in stores and shopping that people were looking at them as the family with that boy.
And Don't Bring Jeremy is a quick and easy read for an Adult and geared to those who are between the ages of nine and twelve, especially anyone in the sixth and/or seventh grades. This would help those that have a child that is different in preparing for what is ahead once the child is at this age or grade level. The author has really captured the feelings of Adam and what he goes through on a daily basis because his brother is different.

Much of the story centers on the baseball game and how they make it to the All-Star Game as well as the friction between Eddie and Adam over pitching and the fact that Jeremy is jealous of his brother. Adam is cautious around Mr. Gordon as well because he is Eddies' Father and thinks he looks like a Sergeant.

I was very pleased to read And Don't Bring Jeremy, highly recommending this for anyone who has a child in this age range to teach about compassion and understanding of those who are challenged and different. I loved the way the boys transformed through the pages and really got a sense of being there with them in the town of Glen Haven. This would make a wonderful summer read to introduce a young reader to the trials and tribulations of living with a sibling that has a disability

I am the author of JEREMY GRABOWSKI'S CRAZY SUMMER IN STORMVILLE!, a children's book. In "And Don't Bring Jeremy," Adam Krasner has the burden of having to deal with his older brother Jeremy who is neurologically impaired. I highly recommend this book. I decided to read "And Don't Bring Jeremy," because my older brother Kevin has a brain disorder called autism. A number of the situations in the book between a "normal" kid and his handicapped brother I can relate to. The characters are well developed and are realistic. The story is not predictable and I didn't lose interest, as I wanted to find out how things turned out. Young readers, with or without handicapped siblings, would find "And Don't Bring Jeremy" a good book. Those without a handicapped brother or sister might have a better idea of what life would be like with one. Great book Marilyn!

My son is 2 years old and he LOVES this book. When it is time for bed, he says, "Angel Baby," and reaches for the book. The pictures are vibrant and beautiful, and the smooth flowing words captivate his attention - from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book!

I have a three and a half and two year old and they love this book. My three year old recites the words and my two year old points to all the pictures. The illustrations are great! Very colorful and action-packed. I love reading this book.

Pat Cummings presents a wonderfully humorous story that shares the view of a mother and a sibling towards a baby. This book would be an excellent one to share with an older sibling regarding the way parents see a baby and they see a baby. Thank you Pat for such a caring story.

Enhanced with 34 memorable watercolor illustrations by John Iorio, Another Tree In The Yard by Lucia Sera is about the Soto family's decision to add a fig tree to their yard to accompany the beautiful Magnolia tree that is already there. But there arises sibling jealous between the two trees. Eventually they both come to be the best of friends, overcoming the differences and growing to truly appreciate each other. Another Tree In The Yard is a perfect allegory for overcoming sibling rivalry when a new baby comes into the family household and is especially recommended as a picturebook for young children having to deal with changes in their family's makeup.

My 4 year old and I both loved the story. The illustrations were wonderful. Lucia Sera is a bright new star in the world of children's books!!

Siblings Lucia Sera and illustrator John Iorio have written a deeply satisfying story that resonates on many levels: It's a parable about accepting a brother or sister into the family, but it also examines growth, change, and adaptation. The book is as entertaining as it is intelligent, neither simplifying nor mystifying a complex emotional issue. Moreover, the tone is just right: Instead of a preachy or saccharin approach, the story is suffused with a genuine warmth.

The book opens with the Soto family planting a magnolia tree, dubbed "Maggie" by their only child, Julia. The beautifully colored tree provides shade, indoor flowers, and a place to just hang out. The family and the neighbors love Maggie. In fact, the Sotos love the tree so much that they decide to add a fig tree (in one of several humorous grace notes, they name it "Figaro"). In a parallel story, Mrs. Soto is expecting the son who will be Julia's first sibling. Maggie begins to voice the concerns that Julia might be having: "The magnolia...had mixed feelings. `Nobody asked me if I wanted another tree...'" When Figaro is planted, Maggie feels forgotten and trampled upon (literally). Maggie resents the newcomer, "When's he going back to where he came from, I wonder. Things were better before..."

Over time, Maggie resolves her anger as she tries out the new roles of protector and provider. Yet, she doesn't sacrifice her own identity, and neither does Julia with her new brother, Felix. Over time, Maggie learns to truly enjoy Figaro. As illustrated in soft watercolors by Iorio, Maggie is amused at Figaro's knotted muscles, fading yellow leaves, and luscious purple figs. As Julia and Felix grow up (Sera and Ioria easily communicate the passage of time), Maggie and Figaro have become the best of friends, and Maggie sees how Figaro "made all the good times better," and that "it's a wonderful thing to have a brother tree in the yard."

This exceptionally wise book pursues difficult issues through the trees' perspective: The relationship between Julia and Felix is implied only. This approach may encourage your child to feel more comfortable talking about his or her "negative" feelings. The book is very attractive, with lots of white space around both the text and the soft, welcoming pictures. Publisher Vocalis printed this on that wonderfully thick, smooth and glossy paper that only kids' books seem to have. "Another Tree in the Yard" is directly concerned with the potential problems of a new brother or sister, but it really covers the challenges and rewards that accompany any change. It's one of the best new books for families this year.

Arthur can part with Baby King Kong and a bent hula hoop, but can he part with his Honey Bear? He wants to be grown up, but isn't so sure he can actually go through with it. We see his reluctance at a near sale, and then his little sister is so insistant that he gives in. But the items she's traded pallor in Honey Bear's absence. What will Arthur do?

Well drawn-- kids will find a lot to look at even if the book is being read to them. It's nicely written too, simply but with enough detail to make it interesting and funny. If you find the version with the read-along audio tape, get it. It's very good!

This book has a lot of depth for a beginning reader. Arthur and his little sister Violet (they are chimps) set aside some old toys to sell at a tag sale during spring cleaning. Arthur decides he can part with Honey Bear, his one-time favorite stuffed animal until his sister Violet makes him an offer he can't refuse and purchases it from him. A reluctant Arthur braves the deal, and soon regrets it. Lillian Hoban has great integrity as a children's author. Arthur does the right thing -- he doesn't cancel the deal with his sister even though he is clearly troubled by loosing Honey Bear. He reminds Violet that since they are brother and sister, he is Honey Bear's uncle and should have some quality time with his nephew by taking everyone out for an ice cream cone with the money he made from selling Honey Bear. A very sweet story that encourages children to find creative solutions to their troubles.

This is a wonderful little book, designed to teach us not to let go of things if they seem to be worthless, or of little worth. Arthur, in this case, wants to have a "tag sale" and get rid of all his old junk. Now there's an interesting idea. Unfortunately his sister, Violet, doesn't believe she has any old junk, so he sets out to put up signs, place tags on his "old junk" and price them accordingly. All except, of course, his honey bear with the one eye. In the adventure which follows, we see him trying to protect his bear and hide him so he won't get bought, only to have his sister "bargain" with him for the old bear. Then, of course, because he doesn't own it anymore, his sister sets out to re-invent the bear to her image. Arthur's idea of trying to control the bear are shattered, and he comes up with a way of continuing to bond with the bear in another fashion. A great story, with wonderful illustrations. Highly recommended!!!

This is a story about 2 brothers who love and enjoy visiting their grandparents. Scott and Peter feel very fortunate to have their very special Babci (Grandmother) and Dziadzi (Grandfather) who are a little different from their friends grandparents because they have a strange way of speaking and also because they tell stories about their old life in Poland where they used to live. The boys often ask to hear their favorite story of Babci's Angel. Later, when a horrible accident takes place, the lessons of faith are remembered.

Children and adults all face tragedy and sorrow at some point, and at those times we're left completely to our faith to help us get through. This little book teaches a lesson in love and trust.

I liked this story and feel it would add great value to a child's library. I know, had it been around when I was young, my sweet little Polish Mother would have read it to her children.

Fr. Rich Lewandowski has brought another wonderful story to pass along to our children, godchildren and grandchildren. I highly recommend this and his other stories to any adult or child alike (even if you had a Memere instead of a Babci - Polish Grandmother).

Babci is Polish for Grandma. This book came to my attention in December 1998 when a friend sent me an excerpt taken from the book, published in a newspaper. I am Polish and have 4 grandchildren. This little story is a gem of gems and touches the hearts of adults as well.

Stephanie and Michelle had to watch the triplets that live around the corner. The three children seem like little angels. The two sisters thought this is going to be an easy job. Boy, were they wrong! On the day of the job,the triplets' mother took everyone to the Imaginarium -- a museum in town. And the triplets run wild! Can Stephanie and Michelle keep the triplets in line? Or will their babysitting job be a total disaster?

Stephanie needs a helper to babysit triplets. Michelle's helped with one, she's helped with the twins, it's easy, right? The problem - it's not in a home, but a crowded museum they must watch them. The bigger problem - Michelle brings a furry visitor which just adds to the hijinks.

this i very cool, i give it 5 stars and if you like "Full House" you will DEFINATELY like this book :)

This recording is so fun! It has sound effects and different voices for each character. It makes it seem like you are watching a movie in your mind. I think kids would really enjoy this version, I sure did!

This is a review mainly of the unabridged recording of "The Bad Beginning" read by Tim Curry, with an interview of Lemony Snicket by Leonard C. Marcus. And the song "Scream and Run Away preformed by the Gothic Archies. This is also a review of the hardback book .

Initial listening of this book brought horror and disgust (which in this case means repugnance.) Determined to finish the story despite the author's constant warnings, I must say that I became enamored of his style.

There are several pluses to listening to the recording. The pace of the recording helps keep you going when you would have set the book aside. The absence of the books illustrations by Bret Helquist allowed you to imagine a more sinister Count Olaf and a cuter, yet with a tad of tomboy, Violet. Now the significant plus is the unmistakable voice of Tim Curry of "Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "Oscar" (1991 as Dr. Poole) fame. His interpretation of the voices gave just as much panache to the characters as Lemony's writing.

Not in the book, but as additions to the recording are two significant items that help with the understanding of the story, where it came from and where it is going. First is an interview with the author. It covers many of the standard questions asked in an interview; the answers and the communication style is some what unique and a little over the top. Also there is a recording of a song that Mr. Snicket says is played by the Baudelaire memorial orchestra; I have since found that it was realy preformed by the Gothic Archies, written by Gay and Loud.

I do not want to give away the plot however I can tell you that at one point they are forced to eat "boiled chicken, boiled, potatoes and `blanched'- here means `boiled'- string beans"

I downloaded this book from Audible. My sons and I listened to it in the car and finished the whole thing in one day. When we went on errands, they even asked if they could stay in the car and listen while I did what I had to do.

We loved it!! It was silly, educational, and entertaining all at once, with suspense thrown in. The boys' favorite character is Sunny, while I rather like Violet.

Especially engaging was the multicast recording. We have since missed this in the subsequent Lemony Snicket audiobooks.

I want to warn those who have seen the SOUE film: Expect something different in the books. The film combined three books, and not very well. The books have much more substance.

Lornia has been my children's favorite author forever and I know enjoy reading her stories to my grandson. Lecia's artwork is beautiful! I have an original which was illustrated by Lornia. What a wonderfully artist family!

I have been searching for this book! My children and I used to check this out of the library every Christmas for over 5 years! My daughter, Nicole, would laugh about the big brother--and her big brother, Rob, would act just like him. Nicole and Rob were excited about me trying to find this book, even though they are going to be 21 and 25 respectively. These books are for everyone, children and adults alike. Buy it for all your favorite people!

This was a gift and became my first Lorna Ballian book. She is my favorite children's author. I read it to my children many, many times and now have to read it to my second graders. Just like my own children, they say, " Read it again!". Like many of Lorna Ballian's books, another story is going on in the illustrations.Watch that bear! Children love those tricks she plays in the illustrations!

I encourage siblings and parents to read this book if someone in their family has a disability. It hit so many issues dead on that I never realized anyone else experienced. It allows siblings to take an honest look at their experiences while growing up with someone who has a disability. It also gives great tips for how families can address these issues early on.

When I chose this book, I thought I would be adding to my teacher-knowledge of people with special needs and their families. I was stunned to find myself crying: this was me! I was reading about me and my family! The roots of my lifelong struggles and current stress were made plain. But who in MY family had special needs? I never thought of it that way. My sister has struggled with her weight and moods all her life, and so have we all. I am "the other one," and now I know why. I highly recommend this book, for speaking the "unspoken." Knowledge gives us the ability to understand, and to heal. At the end of each chapter are both a summary and strategies to deal with these issues. The author has given us an amazingly practical, working tool, in easy to read format. Whether you are a family member, teacher, or health professional, you'll be glad you read this book.

I grew up with a disabled younger brother, and am only now, in my 40s, starting to realize what affect that had on me, and on my way of reacting to life. This book gives me permission to explore this, without feeling guilty. I thank the author for her compassion and frankness. The many examples and testimonies allow a glimpse of many kinds of different affects, depending on different family situations. I highly recommend this book. It helps me understand myself a little better.

This book brings back memories and is sure to make kids relate to thier school picture day! A sure hit with kids and teachers too!

This story is so funny! Just when you think the worst has happened to Bertie, something else happens. Bertie doesn't let anything get him down, and he makes the best of his troubles, at that. Everyone who has had messy hair or a missing tooth on "Picture Day" will relate to Bertie's experience and cheer his indomitable spirit.

Bertie is one of my favorite characters. I loved him in HOT FUDGE HERO and I'm thrilled to see him back in BERTIE'S PICTURE DAY. He knows how to take those unexpected setbacks and turn them into a positive outcome. A great message for kids!