Little Brothers Are... AND Little Sisters Are... by Beth Norling

Little Brothers Are...
Little Sisters Are...
Author and Illustrator: Beth Norling
Reading level: Ages 0-3
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub (March 1, 2008)
Language: English



I'm wrapping up my "Books for Expectant Siblings" week with a pair of books that are just perfect for big brothers and big sisters. Part of Kane/Miller's Toddler Tales series, Little Brothers Are... and Little Sisters Are... describe little brothers and sisters using fun adjectives and equally fun illustrations featuring big brothers and sisters with their younger siblings.

Here's an excerpt from Little Brothers Are...
"Little brothers are wriggly, bubbly, naughty, and scared." The illustrations that span four pages show:

• A little brother trying to wiggle out his brother's arms to reach a cute little dog below him (wriggly)
• Another little brother blowing big bubbles with his adoring big sister (bubbly)
• Another little brother pulling a cat's tale (Naughty)
  
• The same little brother jumping into his big brother's arms and being chased by the cat whose tail was pulled (Scared)
  

You can expect the same format in Little Sisters Are...:
"Little sisters can be tiny, cuddly, smelly and sad." The illustrations include:

• A tiny newborn baby sleeping (tiny)
• A big sister lovingly cuddling what looks like the same baby (cuddly)
  
• A big sister holding her nose as a little sister with an obviously heavy and stinky diaper approaches (smelly)
• A little baby girl reaching out and crying (sad)
  

Both books end with the same sentiment. "My little brother/sister is my best friend. I love my little brother/ sister."

I really like these books first because they're funny. Kids will get a kick out of the illustrations and some of the funny adjectives used to describe little brothers and sisters. They'll also probably be able to relate to many of them. The books also convey the positive message that even though little brothers and sisters may sometimes be a bit of a pain, you still love them. This may definitely help children who are adjusting to new siblings in their lives.

You can also use these books to help teach about adjectives and even work with your child to come up with your own descriptions of younger siblings.


The books are also available in Spanish. Visit Kane/Miller's website for more information.

What's Going On? by Elena O'Callaghan, illustrated by Africa Fanlo

What's Going On? by Elena O'Callaghan, illustrated by Africa Fanlo
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub (March 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1933605650
ISBN-13: 978-1933605654
Source of book: Review copy from publisher

After I had my daughter, I suffered from serious "baby brain." I remember taking a shower one day and putting shampoo on my face instead of my hair and then doing it again right after I washed it off, and I once even went to the grocery store, filled up my cart and only realized at the checkout that I had left my purse at home. So, when I read What's Going On? , I completely sympathized with the mom in the book who used to be neat and put together who now looks frazzled and disorganized and is spraying bug spray in her hair, the eight-armed father who is juggling all kinds of stuff and wearing mismatched shoes, and even the child narrator in the story who realizes that things just aren't the way they used to be.

Told in a lighthearted manner, the book is presented in "then" and "now" scenarios (i.e. "This was my mom then. This is her now"). Something strange is going on in the house, and young kids will have fun trying to guess what has caused it all.

I really like this book because it helps kids prepare for a new baby in a fun way and lets them know that things will be different for a while...and that's perfectly okay. It will also help kids who may be experiencing some of the upheaval feel reassured that what is happening is normal and to make the best of the changes that are occurring.


Oh and for the record...a couple of "hopefuls" have been suspicious about me dedicating a week to books for expectant siblings, and sorry to disappoint you, but my daughter will be an only child for the foreseeable future. ;)

Sally and Dave, A Slug Story by Felice Arena

Sally and Dave, a Slug Story by Felice Arena

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub (March 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1933605715
ISBN-13: 978-1933605715

Sally the slug is the kind of girl…er slug…you love to hate. “She’s sensational at sports. She’s sleek, slim, and simply stunning.” You name it, she can do it superbly from shooting soccer goals to performing spectacular snowboard stunts. Oh, and she’s a little obnoxious in my humble opinion.

Her neighbor, Dave on the other hand is a “common fat slug.” His favorite activities include “sleeping sideways in his own slime…[and] “sidewalk sunbathing in summer.” He’s perfectly happy with his life, until one day, Sally makes a snide and insulting remark. It takes a scary situation and a heroic act for Dave to regain his confidence and for Sally to change her tune about this “slimy slacker” who turns out to be pretty darn “special.”

In addition to the engaging and fast-paced storyline, the cartoonish illustrations are hilarious. In one scene, Dave is in the bathtub sulking about Sally’s comments, a frown on his face, his shoulders hunched, and his googly eyes looking down—a pretty sad scene except “she’s a superfreak…superfreak…” is playing on the radio. Another great scene is of Dave sidewalk sunbathing. He’s wearing sunglasses and a colorful Hawaiian shirt and lounging in a chair with his hands behind his head (do slugs have limbs?). He’s even got a bottle of “Slug Screen” to protect his sensitive slimy skin from the scorching sun.

This book would make a great read aloud for younger children, and definitely cheer anyone up who’s had a particularly grumpy day. If you’re looking for a book that will make your child chuckle,Sally and Dave, a Slug Story would make a perfect choice.

What other bloggers are saying:

Book Buds Kidlit Reviews: “Sally and Dave: A Slug Story begs to be read aloud. Toddlers to emergent readers will enjoy hearing the hiss of the words as they stream by.”

Jen Robinson’s Book Page: “…This is a highly entertaining title that is sure to please preschoolers. I think that the fact that the main characters are slugs, with the hero a boy slug, will make this book especially pleasing to young boys, though I'm sure girls will like it, too.”