Siblings Books

It's too bad the All-Star reader series is no longer being published. This line of books is one the best tools I have found to help my children when they are starting to read. They have interesting story lines, but with enough easy "sight" words to encourage the new reader to keep going. The star stickers they get to put in the front of the book each time they read it, is a great incentive, and gives them a feeling of accomplishment. What a great idea to put the reward chart right in the book! Then in the back every time they know a new word from the story, they can color in an empty star beside the word (every word is there). Can't beat this series for giving a child positive feedback and interesting beginning stories they can read. Good colorful illustrations help to keep their interest in the story too!

I have searched and searched for the just the right books for my kindergartner. This series of books have been perfect. This book has a very good story, which has been hard to find in beginning reader books. It also has a reward for reading the book, evey time you read it you put a gold star (which are provided with the book) on the inside front cover. This has been a great incentive for my son to read the book and read it again. The words are just on the level of a beginning reader but it also has a very good story.

I love this book! It's a very well-written, warming story about the conflict between a child and her mentally retarded adopted sister. It explores the emotions that accompany an adoption not from the parents view, but from the siblings view, an angle that is not often examined. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in two days, I definitely would recommend this book to anyone.

This is a great book to teach children how to accept different people. Marda, an elementary school child must learn to live with a retarded child that her parents adopt. It is a "heart-warming" tale of how she herself adapts to this new and strange situation. Highly Reccomended.

My three year old loves this book, and it has taught her a lot about why people moved during the Dust Bowl (although she's more distracted by other details of the story and doesn't even know she's learning). I have given several as gifts and the parents always report that it's popular. Great pictures and a swell map of Route 66 at the end.

Anyone who reads Don't Forget Winona, won't.
Follow this family migration from Oklahoma to California on Route 66, in the late 1930's as they escape from dust storms and drought to follow their dream. In a compelling story of hope and determination, Jeanne Whitehouse Peterson's beautiful writing brings this family and their journey to life. Kimberly Bulcken Root's sensitive illustrations enhances this celebration
of family and history!
A reader from Quakertown, Pa.

This is one of those children books that you wont mind reading to you kids. Set in Toronto in an earlier part of the 20th Century, it follows the adventures of a set of twins trying to unwind the mysteries that surround their new house. The story is rich and imaginative and flashbacks create a sense mystery.
Originally published "Twin Spell" this book is one of my all time childhood favourites. Don't let you child be without.

I read this book as a child and absolutely loved it. I have been looking for it for YEARS to pass on to my children but have been unsuccessful. It was scary, strange, mysterious, sad and ultimately, hopeful.

This book is the best book I have ever read. I read ths book once and think I might read it again. This book is about a boy named Steven Alpher's life. He has a very good one and you will see what I am talking about. Read the spiloge it tells you how the stor went. It tells you well...... it hels the book be even better than what is was cause it tells you how the story turned about. I was forced to read this book and I am happy I was. I was also forced to relate to the book and to take test on it so even though the book cost a lot it will be worth it when you read it adn ee how things turn out. This athur guy is a good one cause I really enjoyed reading his book.

"The most annoying thing in the world is...My little brother, Jeffrey." That's what 13-year-old Steven Alper had written in his journal for his English class. But on October 7th, everything changed. Jeffrey had a small accident in the kitchen, was taken to the emergency room, and was diagnosed with leukemia.

Steven's life turns upside down, and just when he needs his parents the most, his mom has to spend most of her days at the hospital taking care of his brother, and his dad is mostly keeping to himself, too worried about the bills to spend time with or even talk to his oldest son. Steven wants to believe that everything will just go back to normal, and tries to release his anger, anxiety, and fears by playing the drums. But his brother doesn't seem to be getting any better, and Steven has a hard time concentrating at school, he's not turning in his homework, and his grades are starting to fall behind. To make things worse, he doesn't want anyone to find out what is going on--but somehow his best friend, Annette, the school counselor, and even Renee Albert, the hottest girl in the eighth grade, all seem to know that something is not right.

This unforgettable novel took me on an incredibly moving ride. And when I felt I was all the way down on this emotional roller coaster, and found myself struggling to see the words through my tears, Sonnenblick lifted me up gently, word by word, page by page, and put a grin on my face that eventually turned into a big smile and then an out-loud laugh. The author's great voice shows real characters with real feelings, and the true struggle of a teenager trying to understand the unfairness of a deadly disease, and how to cope with the fear of losing his beloved little brother.

So you think your little brother is a pest? You will think again after reading this touching story.

Tissues are highly recommended.

The paperback edition of DRUMS, GIRLS, & DANGEROUS PIE also includes a section with an interview, information about the author, tips on writing, and a preview of Jordan Sonnenblick's next novel, Notes From The Midnight Driver.

Reviewed by: Christian C.

My mother bought me this book many years ago for St. Valentine's day. It really is a great book. I suggest anyone buy this for their child.

We read this to our 7 year old and she loved it. She told me that it's a great adventure book and it teaches you that outward appearances are not important. That it's what is inside that counts.

All younger siblings, and older siblings too, can identify with this tender and sweet natured story. As they did in their previous family tale, Ed Koch and his little sister Patty convey an important message
about responsibility, following rules, and the true affection between siblings even when the younger ones want to tag along with the big kids. Little sister Patty learns that even independent and bright little kids should follow rules and that older siblings can be very impressive in an emergency. An adventure story with great illustrations and an excellent lesson. My grandkids loved this book because it seemed to be their story,too.

I had enjoyed the last children's book by this author team.This one is a quick read and so I was able to finish it during a sitting in a local bookstore.I thought it might make a good gift for my young niece(who is the picked-upon "runt" in the family).It will be the perfect gift for her! From my little bit of online research,this story is based on a real-life incident from the childhood of former Mayor Koch and his kid sister,Patty. Growing up,Little Ed viewed Patty the way most big brothers see their younger sibling--a royal nuisance whose main reason for living is to cramp their style.Little Patty knows she is willing and more than able to rough it with Eddie and his pals if he'd only let her hang with them.Well, on a family outing in the woods, something dramatic happens that no doubt changes the nature of their relationship from that point forward.It's a story that will surely resonate with any young girl that has an older sibling,and it might even make an impact on a few older brothers out there who have been taking their little sis for granted.Real cute story--well told--terrific color illustations.I look forward to my niece's reaction when she reads it.She'll love it!

If you have a pre-schooler who speaks Spanish, I would be willing to bet these books will be a hit. Julieta and her mischevious brother Eric certainly resonated with my children (3 and 5), who adored this story and literally read it until the book fell apart. These are witty, fun stories children can relate to.

An added benefit is that the text of these stories is produced in both Spanish and English. Therefore, they are excellent teaching tools.

I really enjoy reading this book to my daughter as is pleasant and keeps her entertained. I also like tha fact that it is not overly long.

A terrible car accident kills Emily's older brother and prevents her from the love of her life: dancing. Now her parents want to sell their house and move away - but it's the only place Emily still feels her brother's presence, so she wants to stay for the very reasons her parents wish to leave. The solution: thwart every sale; the results: hilarious and poignant.

Every Day and All the Time by Sis Deans is the story of a young girl who was in a terrible car accident that shattered her dreams of becoming a dancer and took the life of her brother. She is devastated by the loss of her brother and now another blow; her parents are selling her house. In the cellar of the house is the only place that Emily can still feel and "speak" to her brother, Jon. Emily decides that she must do everything within her power to stop the sale of the house she cherishes so very much. She is very creative and uses her powers of persuasion to lure prospective home buyers away from the house. "My mother's good silver got stolen last year. The police never caught the burglars, but we have our suspicions."
As time goes by Emily slowly begins to realize that change is often good. She begins to dance again and in turn begins to heal. She finds a way to say goodbye to her brother and her dream of becoming a dancer.
This is a heartbreaking and honest novel that will not only tug at your heartstrings, but also make you laugh. Sis Deans weaves an honest tale that will keep the reader interested until the very last page.

I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of a painter who travels 'cross country painting portraits. He is a young man trying to make money to support his three younger sisters, currently in an orphanage.
There is a humorous aspect when Pip paints people as they are, not as they wish to be. Folks don't appreciate seeing their big nose or round bellies in their portraits.
As he travels with his dog Bisuit, he sends back paintings of the pet to his sisters, promising he will return at Christmas.

When Pip returns penniless, a surprise awaits him!

The author and illustrator notes at the end compliment the story. This is a great read for schools, libraries, and for the home.

Fancy That is a charming picture book set in Pennsylvania in 1841 that tells the humorous but poignant tale of a young limner (an itinerant painter) who traveled from place to place painting portraits, just as his father did before him, to support his family. Unfortunately young Pip is far too honest in his portrayal of his subjects and bulbous noses and pear shaped figures did not endear him to his clients, nor did he collect his fees. The hope of a home for his three sisters and himself by Christmas, blew up the chimney with the smoke.The ingenious way the problem is solved makes for a heart-felt ending that leaves the reader warm and satisfied. Lloyd's egg tempera paintings enhance and enliven this tale of family values.
Reviewed by a school librarian in Pennsylvania.