Member Reviews

The idea behind this book was very cute, but overall it just wasn't the greatest to myself and my 5-year old. It was fine reading it one time, but don't plan on reading it again.

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Wow I love this one. I have an older sister that I adore and tagged along with so this book is so relatable.

It covers the fun and not-so-fun parts of siblingness.

I would recommend "Little Brothers & Little Sisters" to any families with siblings.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the read.

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Little brothers and sisters all want the same things: a turn at the wheel, the secret password, a place on the team... they also want a bodyguard, a partner in crime, and a best friend. Monica Arnaldo's picture book looks at the ups and downs of being a younger sibling, through the eyes of a diverse group of children living in and around an apartment building.

The first half of the book illustrates a group of younger siblings waiting for their older siblings to make space for them as they hog the TV, monopolize play time, or keep them out of the fun; the second half looks at the upsides of having a loving sibling who will be a protector, a teacher, a friend. Four pairs of siblings from varying cultural backgrounds will appeal to kids with older (or younger) siblings, sure, but it's also great to read to kids in a classroom setting, comparing what it's like to be in lower grades versus upper grades. It's a lesson in empathy for older children, and a gently encouraging story for younger kids who may feel like the older kids get to do everything. Invite kids to talk about the great parts about being older versus younger; invite them to talk about the ups and downs in their own lives. Many older siblings are responsible for watching over their younger siblings; this story gives kids a chance to talk about their experiences and may help frustrated readers see the benefits of being a positive role model.

Muted but colorful artwork and expressively illustrated characters, paired with simple text make this a nice choice for storytime and individual reading. Definitely a great big brother/big sister gift. Little Brothers & Little Sisters received a starred review from Kirkus.

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Wonderful pictures, but the prose was mediocre

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A picture book showing the typical annoyances, problems, and joys of younger siblings in their relationships with their older siblings.

This book nails sentiments that pretty much anyone with siblings will identify with. From the desire of younger siblings to be included or protected, to the joys of being partners in crime and fellow adventurers. A great read for siblings that could possibly open the way for communication about some unexpressed annoyances or desires or things they're thankful for about each other. A great family read with an attractively illustrated multicultural cast of siblings. Definitely recommending for our elementary library to purchase.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Little Brothers & Little Sisters is a beautiful book that celebrates the unique and special bond between siblings! Older siblings are often the first person their younger sibling will look up to. And yes, younger siblings can be a bother sometimes, but there is no stronger bond than that of siblings! In the end siblings are always there for one another. Monica Arnaldo has written a great story that is representative of true sibling relationships!

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“In nearly every neighborhood of almost every town, you will find little brothers and little sisters, all longing for the same few things…” Monica Arnaldo shares the truth about sibling relationships in "Little Brothers & Little Sisters". Where there is rivalry, there is admiration. Where there are privileges, there are responsibilities. I remember how my older brother would toss balled up socks at me when I would turn out the light, how he flicked his spoon of oatmeal at me across the table when mom wasn’t looking. But my brother taught me to hit a baseball, “an expert teacher” he dove in and saved me from sinking to the bottom of the neighborhood pool, a hero. He protected me, “an expert leader.” I can only hope I was some of those things for my little brother.

Arnaldo’s drawings evoke memories of my childhood. Diverse children inhabit the pages as they did my Bronx neighborhood. "Little Brothers & Little Sisters" is a celebration of the joys and (struggles) of siblings.--Recommended.

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This cute story is great for toddlers and pre-K age children. The story would be great as a read aloud for siblings. It does a great job of showing perspective from both the younger and older children. It shows the special things older siblings get to do that younger siblings long for, and it shows the responsibility that older siblings have to help their younger siblings. The illustrations were very nice and often made me smile as all the emotions come through the page. You can see the frustration, pride, excitement and sibling worship. This is a great title to add to the library or home collection.

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The gentle nuances of siblings is shared through vibrant illustrations and spot on observations. A delightful read.

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This is a look at the life of little brothers and sisters everywhere. Most all want the same thing: the secret password, a promotion, a friend. A lovely book for the older child who is or is about to become the Big to a Little.

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Only brothers and sisters understand that very special relationship of wanting and needing one another and at the same time not wanting them. Little Brothers and Little Sisters was a precious story about these important relationships. I loved the story and immediately wanted to share it with my own children. It will be perfect to share with those expecting new siblings or during that challenging period of growth for both.

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Little Brothers & Little Sisters is such a sweet book about the good and bad parts of being a younger sibling. I loved the illustrations, and appreciated that the book wasn't just full of frustrations younger siblings experience, but featured the great things as well, such as a helping hand, expert teacher, etc. This book would make a great gift for families and elementary school classrooms.

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This was a cute story about appreciating siblings. I liked the illustrations a lot.

I received an Arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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ARC COpy...a very cute narrative with matching illustrations about the ups and downs of being the younger sibling in relation with an older sibling like being unable to be on the team in soccer and sibling bonding moments which makes life good. Liken the lyrical-poetic style of the text.

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First and foremost the images were amazing. The story itself was cute and I love how it changed from the younger siblings wanting "a turn at the wheel" to them to them working together. The book shows that sibling relationship is not just fighting and pulling each others hair but working together to 'take' cookies.
Honestly, I recommend this book to everyone and anyone with a sibling, not just children.

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A cute book that anyone with a sibling can relate to. The book highlights the downsides of being a younger sibling (getting the grunt parts when playing, not being included) but also all the great parts (having a protector and friend). The illustrations are cute and follow a group of older siblings and a group of younger siblings. The children have some diversity and are put in a variety of settings. This a book most siblings can relate to in some way.

Thank you to netgalley for giving me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

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I loved this story. I could relate to it on several levels. I was the youngest in the family until my little brother came along when I was seven. I also had two children of my own. Siblings always seem to have that have/have not kind of relationship when they are younger. I had it with mine and I saw it with my own children. Of course as adults, we can look back and laugh, but when you are living it, not as much. This book demonstrates the best and the worst of having a sibling when you are young. There are cute pictures, simple, easy text. A great book to use when siblings are having problems or when expecting a new child in the home as a introduction to what may be coming your way. A good one for a family library.

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Having had two older brothers, and one younger sister, I can totally relate to both sides of this beautiful picture book about the pitfalls and grand things that having an older sibling can bring.

Cute pictures, cute text. Very enjoyable book, reminding me what it was like. Something that a lot of single kids out there will never know. But they will avoid not being able to get the best seat to watch TV, but then, why will not have an older sibling save them from the seagulls that want to eat their lunch.

All and all a delightful little book.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

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