Siblings Books

One in a series of stories about Daisy the little duck, Quack, Daisy, Quack is a story of what happens when Daisy gets separated from her Mama during an outing at the pond. This is a softly painted picture book even younger preschoolers like to read along to. Readers get a sense of how scared Daisy feels when she realizes she can�t find Mama, and will cheer Daisy on when she finally quacks loud enough to call Mama�s attention over all the noise of the rest of the ducks in the pond. At the end of the story, we see Daisy and baby brother Pip back in the family garden taking a nap near Mama and Aunt Lily. Preschoolers will enjoy the many opportunities to shout and quack like noisy ducks, and will love quacking a loud �Mama!� during the story. I especially like how Daisy is able to solve the problem of losing Mama by herself and how we see how comforted she is when she�s back home safe and sound. The quirky, goofy little duckling is very endearing and seems to epitomize every preschooler�s desire to wander off from time to time.

Two young ducks tend to scare away their playmates with their loud quacking. One day, they visit a noisy duck pond where their loud voices are finally put to good use.

The simple text and almost Impressionist illustrations combine to form a delightful Springtime story. Children will like the fact that loud voices are appreciated, and adults will like the loving relationships between the ducklings and their elders.

Not only does Ami take you on a suspenseful adventure, she ties in some important environmental issues for kids to think about. Her illustrations are fantastic and educational at the very least. The map of Aruba and the Divi Divi tree teaches children about other parts of the world. I can't wait until book 3!!!

Ami Blackford does a terrific job cultivating a suspenseful and exciting adventure--and what terrific artwork! As good if not better than Book 1, Book 2 really delves deeper into the Duncan siblings' relationship and how they truly compliment each other with each new challenge they face. And don't we all love Simone! Feisty and fun-natured, she is the kind of friend we all wish we had. Also to note is how Blackford ties environmental messages into the book, which is wonderfully educational for children and adults alike. I'm ready for Book 3. Great job on Book 2, Ami!

Rainy Season is an awesome book. If you havent yet read the editorial reviews on this page, DONT. this book will take your breath away, but they give away something important.
Rainy Season is immensely realistic- it is painted with the kind of details one notices in every day life. Lane's thoughts especially are written ultra naturally- ms. griffin doesnt try to emphasize the important ones or censor the less focused ones, they just come out the way anyone's would.
some of the reviews made a big deal about the whole panama canal issue in the book, maybe im just ignorant about the importance of it but i didnt find it to play an enormous part in the plot. It and the conflicts were definitely mentioned and described, but in the way that any 12 year old girl would describe her surroundings.
i don't want to give too much away, but i can't suggest enough that you read this book. it is meaningful and haunting and also just a fast-paced, enjoyable read. i found it randomly at the library years ago and read it without knowing really what it would be about, and therefore was stunned to find the story unfold. I know that I for one often am forced to be careful about what I read, trying as hard as I can to guarantee I'll enjoy a book before investing time in it. This is one book you can take the chance on without needing to know the specifics of what you're getting into. The book's more meaningful if you discover each page.
Enjoy :-)

Adele Griffin is a master of dialogue and puts together an incredibly compelling children's novel in a fascinating place -- the Panama Canal zone. The book is so well paced it just really builds steam... A fantastic book!

I've loved Cleary's writings ever since I can remember. Especiall the Mouse and the Motorcycle! So, when I saw this series in the library, I HAD to get it for my little one. Well, in this story, Jimmy wants to dig a hole with a "real" shovel. So, after breaking his plastic one, his father finds one that was used by soldiers to dig trenches. Off Jimmy goes to dig his hole while sis Janet makes up all kinds of dreamy little things that Jimmy can do with his hole. Well, Jimmy will have none of that, "it's just a hole." Pretty soon, the little guy actually digs a big enough hole to do something with it so off his father goes to buy a tree. So now, they have a Christmas tree inside and outside. Sure is a great story - especially for those of us with little boys who really do want "real" shovels and to do "real" things like dig holes for new trees. Great, great book!

In another of her magical stories about the twins, Jimmy and Janet, Beverly Cleary writes about the real need of many children to not just pretend but to do work which is valued by adults. Jimmy is frustrated when his parents and sister think he is digging a hole in the yard merely for fun. Instead, he wants to do something useful with his hole. His father, understanding, provides a clever solution. Do not overlook these wonderful books, too often in the shadow of the better-known Henry and Ramona series!

A book about dancing rats. Doesn't sound like a sure-fire winner, does it? But this tale of perserverance and determination makes a wonderful and gripping read. The fantasy rat world is only half the story--the other half is the fascinating account of the hard work, training, and innovation of the dance troupe. By the time the Rattoons get to Rat Hollow, you know how very hard they've worked, and you're rooting for their success. Not only was this a fun read, but it was an interesting and eye-opening look at the work that professional dancers put in before they're ready for the Boom-Boom Room.

... uncommon, because the valor is demonstrated by a group of five rat siblings. Each lives out his/her own quirks, qualities, and weaknesses, but more importantly, as a whole, they demonstrate the power of a group united by a dream. Along with all of *that,* it is a rollicking good read, full of adventures and mishaps, with eventual victory, though a surprising one! A terrific book for fourth through seventh graders.

Besides teaching the history of popular entertainment at the University of Wisconsin, I'm a writer and historian. There are a lot of circus surveys and shallow Ringling histories out there. No other circus book I've found has been so detailed and pleasant to read as "Ringlingville." It places the brothers in their proper context without being one of those rehashed "life and times" works that are short on content.

Especially interesting is Apps' look at the family's dynamics -- a three ring circus in itself. There's lots of new material here, with locations, dates and the wagon-by-wagon growth of this American icon.

Anyone interested in the Ringlings or American pop culture will find this a fascinating and important book!

Ringlingville USA is the fantastic true story of seven brothers' odyssey from immigrant poverty to immortality as the creators of an enduring circus world. Recently and for the first time, the brothers' financial records and personal correspondence have become available to researchers; Wisconsin and U.S. history specialist Jerry Apps consolidates information from a wide range of sources to offer an unmistakably human portrait of the Ringling Brothers and their personal challenges amid taxation, war, economic pressure, technological advances, and individual tragedy. An amazing saga of real-life legends, illustrated throughout with vintage black-and-white photographs, Ringlingville USA is a must for students of Big Top history and a "must" for all Wisconsin school and community library collections.

My name is Russell too, but I am a good Russell. The Russell in the story is nice but sometimes he's naughty. After Germy and Russell hit eachother they were friends again. I learned to read with these books, now I can read! That's all I want to say!

P.S. from Russell's mommy: these books are wonderful, perfect for any emergent reader, and just fine for energetic little boys. It was fun to read realistic vignettes set in the city. I liked the chapter where Russell goes out for Chinese food with grandparents, it was familiar! We have read all of them in the series, one is funnier than the next! Johanna Hurwitz has the heart of Beverly Cleary, and the talent, too, but with a style all her own. Don't miss these lovely read-alouds!

Five year old boy experiences some of lifes moments shared by other children. Chapters have stand-alone themes, so it is greaat for a chapter a day before bed or at school. It explores disappointment, fighting at school, a first chinese dinner and wanting attention. Delightful, although I changed use of "stupid" to "dumb" that Russell uses. A great book for students from K through 4th grade, as well as parents. It is a humorous, family oriented book.

Teaches that everyone has their own strength and weakness. Great for personal narrative teaching. I love that it's a sequel.

Patricia Polacco's style and warmth comes through again! Her words bring you into the story with ease and you find yourself watching a family situation unfold. Hanging onto every word so you will not miss any of the action, you become part of the story. This story involves her brother, Rotten Richie and a very valuable lesson taught by their mother for both of them when they were younger. It's a normal part of childhood that all siblings encounter but the human element evolves sharing with the reader that no matter what, respect comes through when you are in someone else's shoes. As always, photos from her childhood gives the personal touch readers crave for.

My daughter loves to tell Max that he shouldn't put spiders on the cakes! Bright pictures, simple storyline. Perfect for a 2-yr-old Max and Ruby fan.

"Another Rosemary Wells Winner!"
Rosemary Wells has written another winner with Ruby's Tea for Two. The story follows her usual pattern: older sister Ruby tries to dictate how an activity should take place, in this case a tea party. Best friend Louise (who owns the tea set) is invited. Little brother Max is not. "One chocolate and one strawberry, please," Ruby orders newly appointed waiter Max. As usual, one-track mind Max is determined to get his way. The devious expression in Max's eyes is reason enough to get this latest addition to this lively series. The Max and Ruby books are such a hit in our house that my 3.5-year-old daughter renamed her younger sister "Max"- and she answers to it! While we saw this particular story first on TV's Nick Jr., both my girls request the book version over and over. I also recommend the recently released Max Drives Away.

Grace's parents say she's out of control and her old friends don't like her - but Grace thinks she's a whole new chic person and is happy with her new friends in Katherine Spencer's SAVING GRACE, an excellent story for ages 12 and older about change, self-image, and coming to grips with a brother's death.

After the death of her brother, Grace Stanley starts acting strange. She dumps her old friends, starts drinking, starts lying to everyone, starts hanging out with the popular kids, flunking her classes, missing study sessions, and skipping school.

But then something happens; Grace just snaps. Later, her parents confront her about missing classes and flunking math. They tell her that this isn't like her and that they didn't realize that she was having so much trouble.

She feels like she can't talk to them because they're always at church. But then Grace meets a girl named Philomena. She helps Grace with everything. See what happens. Find out what makes Grace say "enough!"

Grace has a lot of feelings and you get to hear them through her point of view. I think this book was excellent. It was thrilling and I didn't want to put it down. I recommended it to all of my friends when I was finished; it made you want to read more and more! I would definitely give this book 5 stars and a Gold Award!!

Reviewed by: Frizzie