Siblings Books

Little One Step is far from home with his two older siblings. His legs are wobbly and he wants his home by the river and his mother. Big brother tells him to count his first step, "one", then his next as "step". With a few reminders from his brother, Little One Step completes his journey. This is a charming story. A gentle reminder that every journey, and the solution to a difficulty, begins with the first step, and is accomplished one step at a time. It is a simple tale of encouragement for any child who is facing a challenge. Soft watercolor and ink drawings are a beautiful compliment to the story.

A little duckling is lost and frightened - but by putting one foot in front of the other he learns a new strength and finds in himself a new ability to undertake a frightening journey. Little One Step is a very simple book with large words, easy pictures, and encouragement to kids to take one step at a time when facing something frightening or new.

The three-year-old that I nanny for LOVES this book, with all of Figwort's adventures before finally falling asleep. A must-have for a toddler boy!

My one-year-old son received this as a gift for Christmas and my husband and I enjoy it as well. Truly something we'll enjoy reading to him in the years to come.

Written by Scott M. Davis M.D. (ASAM-Certified Addiction Medison Physician of the world-renowned Betty Ford Center), Living Jonathan's Life is the chilling true story of identical twin brothers who share the misfortune becoming addicted to narcotic painkillers. Written in first person perspective, Living Jonathan's Life is an engrossing, solid narrative as well as a sharply cautionary tale against the rising popularity of painkillers - drugs that are more easily accessible than ever thanks to the internet, and that have become the drug of choice among teens, even surpassing marijuana. Extensive appendices filled with information for those struggling with or who know friends and families suffering from addiction problems round out this tell-all story, written not only to express grief and pass on life lessons learned, but also to be of immediate aid to any reader who needs it.

Here's a book written from the inside out. An authentic account from someone who's fought the battle and won. Jonathan's Life is a transparent, honest account of the debilitating effects of addiction. This book chronicles a doctor's struggle with loss, pain, trauma, and enlsavement to addiction.

...for this fund of invaluable information. I highly recommend this book along with Meyer's other stellar gem, "Views From Our Shoes," which addresses the needs siblings of people with special needs have.

This book lends the voice of hope, confidence and clarity to the experiences many people whose siblings with special needs have. It not only sheds light on many questions that often crop up, it also provides a safe forum to explore any and all sibling related issues.

I like the way Meyer respects his readers' intelligence. It is so critical, in fact paramount for people to be informed about the special needs their siblings have. That is a good way to foster honest relationships and inclusion within the family. That also promotes acceptance of the members who have special needs.


Meyer's book serves as a medical, legal and educational advocate. It provides much needed information about services in these areas. I especially liked the part where people are strongly encouraged and rightfully so to make provisions for their children with special needs and to keep the other children without special needs informed of these decisions. People with special needs are vital members of their respective families and each person impacts upon the lives of others. That is still another reason why it is so crucial to have frank, open discussions with all the family members so as to keep the lines of communication open and to prevent secrets and fear. The fear of the unknown and the lack of communication causes problems and helps no one.

I wish this book had existed a generation ago! I can't recommend it highly enough and it is a book for everybody, parents; all children; educators; medical professionals and the world at large. I love this book!

I am a Japanese and I am a "sibling."

I encountered this book and Don Meyer's Sibling Support Project in October of 1997. At that time, I was struggling to persuade the staff of a (sibling) group that support for siblings was as important as support for people with special needs. In my view this book gave me confidence and shed light on my road to start a new sibling support group.

Some uncommon feelings, opportunities and concerns that siblings might have are described in Chapter 1. Medical knowledge of various disabilities are written about in Chapters 2-6. Since siblings are not often informed about their siblings' disabilities by anyone, it could cause more concern; this book's objective is very important. You can also get basic knowledge of laws, programs, and services for persons with disabilities and their families in the U.S., in Chapter 7. In Chapter 8, an uncommon concern is discussed: where will my sister (brother) live when she (he) grows up. The authors continues by stressing the fact that parents should tell their plans for their disabled children to their "normal" children, and offers suggestions for doing this.

Since this book is intended for young siblings, it is easy for me to read it as a foreigner. Reading Chapter 1, tears welled up in my eyes. I could relate to many things: friends, unselfishness, accepting differences, guilt, overinvolvement, understanding, embarrassment, loss, maturity, worry and loneliness. I wish I could have read it in Japanese when I was a child ! I strongly recommend young and adult siblings, parents and service providers to read this book all over the world, because siblings need peer support and information in a straightforward manner.

"Freaked Out" is an awesome Lizzie McGuire book. It has two parts, like all the other ones, and it's great for reading around Halloween. Or even not around Halloween. Anyways, here's what I think of each part.

PART ONE----It starts out an ordinary morning until Lizzie finds out that there are lots of stains on her clothes--which should of been washed in last week's laundry. She knows of course it could mean one thing---Matt. Lizzie and Matt get into a huge fight, and before they know it--they've switched bodies! As if that isn't bad enough, there's school. School isn't bad, but being your sibling and going to THEIR school---well, that's bad. What can they do before Matt ruins Lizzie's life?

PART TWO----It's Fright Night and Lizzie's school and her parents say that Matt has to come with her. Miranda brought these skeletons from a holiday in Mexico called Day of the Dead. Kate was really mean to them and Miranda said that if she was mean to them than bad things would happen. Lizzie's turned into a zombie, Gordo turned into a burger buddy, and Matt turned into dust. What can Miranda and Kate do?

Overall, this is a GREAT book, especially for Halloween. Buy it if you love Lizzie McGuire!

This book is really really cool it's written in too parts

Part 1: Lizzie and Matt swicth bodys after shouting "I'll stay out of your life" at each other and don't know how to swicth back,when they go to school and Matt makes a show of Lizzie but chats up Ethan and gets at Kate. At Lizzie's new school Matt gets punished 4 somthing he didn't do so with the help of Melina and Lanny (Matt's friends) she tracks down the culprit.

Part 2: It's fright night at Lizzie school and Miranda brings skeltons from Mexico and tells everyone to treat them right, but Matt eats there tamale, Gordo says there stupit and Kate shoves them into a corner but then Matt dissapers, Gordo gets traps in a burger buddy and it smashes and they take over Lizzie 4 revange on Kate.

I think this is a brillent book. Buy it
Elizabeth (or Lizzie!)

Ethan Howland should be commended for not only producing a compelling story that will grab the attention of your kid, but also addressing some very real issues in the lives of teens. The book hits on a conflict that every young person must grapple with: the fall from grace of the hero that is your older sibling, relative or friend. Still, despite the disappointments faced by Howland's protagonist, the love remains. Through the disappointments, our young lobsterman finds strength.

I found the story compelling, exciting, and believable. The climax will keep a young reader revitted. My 13-year old absolutely loved it. Perfect beach reading.

The book was fantastic and I applaud the author's first work. Howland conveys location, emotion and situation with fantastic clarity. The story moves along pausing only to allow the reader to take in the imagery of the Maine coast and the mixed and conflicting emotions that people face in life. It is too bad that books like this have to be classified as "juvenile fiction" because the writing is much better than many young readers may appreciate. Beautifully written. Interesting story. Nice lesson in life.

Louise designs and builds a cool, castle-like house. Shows a female character with lots of tools and lots of imagination, and a sense of adventure. Very minimal text; nice drawings. Age 1.5+

My children and I adore this book. It's one they choose again and again from the gazillion bedtime books we've collected. And it's one I NEVER TIRE OF READING! The text is sparce, the illustrations are fabulous (simple, yet so much interesting detail on each page) and the message is one I love to repeat. A great children's book to give away as well as add to your own collection.

Traits you could use to describe me:
1) An actress
2) Top favorite actress is Audrey Hepburn
3) Dream roles include Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady"
4) Loves classic movies (and quoting from movies)

The main character in Maeve on the Red Carpet shares each of these traits with me. As I read, it was a little startling - I mean, is this author stalking me or something?!

If you have any of the above things in common with me and Maeve, you will probably like this book. It's really cute, fun, and fast-paced (albeit predictable). The book is pure fluff - if Harry Potter is a four-course meal, this is only cotton candy. But since I adore stories about filming and aspiring actresses, I adored this book. Especially since the heroine and I had so much in common. ;)

The Beacon Street Girls series is part of a brand designed to empower "tweens", and help them with the transition from "toys and boys." The books feature five middle school age best friends, all from diverse backgrounds, and with distinct interests. They go to school on Beacon Street in Brookline, MA.

The books are (according to the publisher) "shaped by leading experts in adolescent development and current research on how to positively impact girls' self-esteem." Although I'm generally a bit leery of books that try explicitly to get across a particular message, I like the Beacon Street Girls books. The characters are well-drawn and realistic. They make mistakes, and learn from them. They suffer from pesky younger brothers, difficulty with math, and divorcing parents, among other ordinary tribulations. Despite their differences, they are loyal to each other. And their stories are fun!

This installment, part of a series of "adventure" titles that each feature only one of the five Beacon Street Girls, sends Maeve to movie camp. It reminds me a tiny bit of Noel Streatfeild's books (Theater Shoes, Ballet Shoes, etc., though with quite a bit more privilege). Near the start of what promises to be a boring school vacation week, with all of her friends away, Maeve learns that her father has arranged to host a New York Film Academy film camp in the family's theater. A wealthy sponsor has offered to pay for improvements to the theater, and a famous Hollywood director will be leading the camp. Maeve is over the ceiling thrilled, despite that fact that her annoying younger brother, Sam, will also be attending the camp.

When camp begins, Maeve learns a lot, works hard, and is a bit star-struck by the pampered daughter of the wealthy sponsor (who, in an amusing throwaway joke, knows the famous "Venice Doubletree"). The other kids are more down-to-earth, though the Director's son turns out to have real acting experience. Through her interactions with the other campers, and their parents, Maeve learns some hard lessons about trust, friendship, and betrayal. I must admit that I saw the betrayal coming a mile off, and I think that many readers will, too. But the point isn't so much the betrayal itself, but the way that Maeve reacts to it, and eventually bounces back.

I also enjoyed Maeve's relationship with her little brother. He follows her around with a movie camera and drives her crazy, but also stands by her in unexpected ways. Here's one of my favorite exchanges:

""Good," Sam answered. "Because I think you're the best actress in the whole world!"

I looked at Mom, who just shrugged. Sometimes little brothers could surprise you by saying the nicest thing and make you feel totally guilty for ever thinking of them as an annoying pest. Then other times...

"Last one to the theater's a rotten egg! Haha, that's you, Maeve," Sam suddenly cried."

I think that fans of the BSG books will enjoy this installment. It's nice to have a chance to focus on just one of the girls, and get to know Maeve and her family a bit better. And Maeve is fun to spend time with. She's overly dramatic, and annoyingly obsessed with her appearance, but she's not afraid to work hard or to admit her mistakes. And her genuine enthusiasm for movies is irresistible. The details about how a movie is made are interesting, too, and should be a hit with kids who are film junkies. I give Maeve on the Red Carpet four stars!

This book review was originally published on my blog, Jen Robinson's Book Page, on June 25, 2007.

The Magical First Day is a good book. I like when J'lynn
and Jeff get a puppy.

The Magical First Day is a cute book in which all school children can relate. Written from a student's point of view, this book allows the young (and old) reader to reflect on their early school days and smile. This book brings to the reader a cute story as well as an appreciation for those teachers who have made a difference in our lives. If you have any young school children, I recommend you buy this book. I am a teacher and would enjoy seeing this book in the classroom!

Reviewed by: Tyrone Vincent Banks

MAMA is a touching story that many of us, as parents and children, can relate to. It's a story being told by the older sister of a child who uses one word that encompasses all of his happiness, fears and needs. The word is simply "Mama!" The author, Kelly Jones, tells the story in a simple poetic format. We look at the images and recall our first words or the first words of our children or siblings. It is truly a miracle to watch a child evolve into the adult that they will become and we hope that they too will remember the adventures that they most certainly will find themselves involved in.

As an individual I can recall my use of the word "Mama" several decades ago when times were simple and impossible problems were resolved by my mother. I've told myself that I'd never talk like a grown up and refer to the "good old days" but in today's world you have to reflect on the past and the memories that comfort you as a child.

Long before the advanced animation and computer generated images that dominate the television and box office - books were first and foremost freehand artwork. Even before that, collages have been used in artistic expression and they are finding their way back into the mainstream. The illustrator Ken Kewley has pieced together colorful images that can find themselves on a larger canvas to be immortalized as separate pieces of art.

MAMA is refreshing because as you turn the pages - or at least as I turned the pages - subconscious memories of my childhood were awakened. I can remember "cartoons" of the past that utilized two-dimensional images interacting and moving across a colorful background. I can recall the collage projects of the past and how they caused you to stretch your imagination and express your ideas.

I apologize for the lengthy dissertation about a 32 page book, but I feel that it's important to realize the various emotions that this book will stimulate. It is an excellent book to read to children and those children may go on to read it to you as they get older. The artwork makes it an excellent coffee-table book or conversation piece. The story, in its simplicity and truth, can be one that a new parent will appreciate as well. Either way, MAMA is a book that should be added to your library.

Deftly written by Kelly Jones, Mama is an engaging picture book about a big sister, and her little brother who says the word "Mama" a lot yet uses it to mean so many different things. The most striking feature of Mama are its vivid, abstract collages by illustrator Ken Kewley that use raw, bold color to shape images from the story. A compelling and distinctive visual treasure to view and share with young folks, Mama is fun and recommended for preschool and kindergarten picture book collections.