Member Reviews

Story is told by the little sister's point of view of a day when she hangs out with her big sister and nothing goes according to plan yet she's still able to have a memorable day in company of her very loving and caring big sister. The illustrations were soft and atmospheric which added to the overall feeling of trying to remember and relive a good memory. A truly heartwarming story on not only sisterhood but also about seeing the bright side of things as well.

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We've all had those days that begin with high hopes but don't go as planned. Sometimes those days create the lasting memories. This picture book is a fun story to process those moments with little ones.

Little sister is excited about a day out with her big sister, but plans keep falling through but by the time they decide to call it a day and go home, the only thing little sister recalls is having the best day with big sister. A lovely and simple picture book featuring whimsical illustrations where you can see the love these sisters have for each other.

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This was a cute book about sibling love. I like the message the book portrayed which was it’s ok it plans change. Changing plans is hard for some kids. This helps them see that sometimes that happens and you have to make the best of it.

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Similar to the author, I am both a big sister and a little sister, making this book particularly relatable for me. The story is charming and enjoyable, portraying a day in the life of a little sister who has the opportunity to spend time with her big sister, despite less than ideal circumstances. Ultimately, the impact of spending the day with her big sister proves to be significant for her. What a delightful story!

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Big Sister, Long Coat is a children's book geared toward the younger reader. With beautiful illustrations and simple text, the book shares the delight of an older sister. Even when plans go awry, big sisters make the day great. Parents will enjoy the short text when reading before bedtime, and children will enjoy the many illustrations.
Thank you, NetGalley, and NorthSouth Books for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

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Picture book stories depicting sibling love is always welcomed as I don't believe there are that many out there. As a person with a brother, not a sister, it does make me yearn for one even when I am well into adulthood. Illustrations are simple yet bring focus to the main characters. It's sweet to be reminded that spending quality time with your loved one is more important than fun things to do.

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This was a really cute story! It would be great for a social story to help children with being flexible and changing plans.

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It can sometimes be difficult to find a very short picture book that says a lot with so few words. Big Sister, Long Coat, happily, does just that. This sweet story does more showing than telling, as two sisters pivot from their original plans to find something that they can do with the rainy day ruining their outdoor plans. The care shown between the two siblings is clear from the start, and shows readers that things don't have to go exactly as intended to still be wonderful. I really enjoy this style of illustration, and appreciate that, even though it is a dreary day in the book, I can still easily see our two protagonists, and the sparse language leaves lots of room to chat with littles about the pictures. I really liked, and will be sharing it in my Storytimes!

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I loved this book so much! The gorgeous illustrations and the words work together to evoke a mood of a rainy day spent with loved ones. Even though everything doesn't go perfectly, the sisters still have an amazing day because they're together and they love each other.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC opportunity!

As a child and adult mental health therapist, I love the opportunity to reads children’s books. This book is just lovely. The illustrations are beautiful and the length of the book would keep children’s attention. I love the message- no matter how bad a day is, being with those you love matters the most!

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Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I cried ugly tears. This was everything to me. It now belongs to a special place in my little heart. I highly recommend it to anyone. Literally everyone.

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"Big Sister, Long Coat" by Nelly Buchet is a charming children's book that explores the adventures and mishaps of a day out on the town shared between a big sister and her little sibling. Through its beautifully crafted pages, the book dives deep into the essence of sisterly love and companionship, presenting it in a way that is both heartwarming and relatable to its young audience.

The narrative, told from the perspective of the younger sister, employs short and deliberately stilted sentences to authentically capture the voice of a child. This stylistic choice not only enhances the book's appeal but also makes it accessible to its intended readership, which I imagine to be children aged 3 to 6 years. The simple yet evocative language invites young readers to engage with the story, fostering an early love for reading.

What sets this book apart are the gorgeous illustrations that accompany the text. The artwork is not just complementary but central to the storytelling, vividly bringing to life the urban escapade and the emotional nuances of the sisters' relationship. The illustrations are rich in detail and color, capable of capturing the attention of children and adults alike, making it a visually stunning read.

"Big Sister, Long Coat" goes beyond being just a story about a day that doesn't go as planned; it's a celebration of the bonds that tie siblings together. It gently teaches lessons on patience, understanding, and unconditional love, all while wrapped in the excitement and unpredictability of an adventure shared.

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Everyone should have a sister, she can make a rainy day the best day!! Everyone knows that sisters have a special connection, Rainy or sunny, everyday is funny with your sis.

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This is a cute story about a girl and a hot day, and her sisters. This is a good book. I recommend it.

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I liked the overall story, but wasn't especially moved by the sibling relationship or the adventures they went on. I think for the most part I was confused why the title is Big Sister, Long Coat when the only mention of the coat comes at the end. I don't think I will add this to the collection, but other libraries may find the sibling story is a perfect fit for their audience.

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Very cute! There's not much of a narrative here, but it's a short and sweet read that celebrates siblings. I enjoyed the delightful illustrations as well as the book's message about how it's the company and people we are with that really matters.

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Honestly, this makes me wish I had an older sibling.

I love the idea of siblings caring for one another and how the younger sibling is still optimistic despite the plans changing.

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Big Sister, Long Coat
by Nelly Buchet
Pub Date 05 Mar 2024
NorthSouth Books Inc.,NorthSouth Books
Children's Fiction

NorthSouth Books Inc. and Netgalley sent me a copy of Big Sister, Long Coat to review:


This book is perfect for preschool and early elementary school children:


Big sisters are the best! Rain or setbacks cannot dampen a young girl's day with her big sister. Sibling love captured in a picture book!


A young girl is eager to spend the day with her big sister. The weather is so hot that her ice cream melts and it rains. As the library closes just before they arrive, their plans must change again. Big sister knows what to do next-even if it's just splashing in puddles and looking at stars. The day isn’t anything like little sister expected . . . it’s better.Little sister's day isn't what she expected.


I give Big Sister, Long Coat four out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

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This is a sweet little story about a little sister spending the day with her big sister. I like the message that even if the day doesn't go as planned, it can still be amazing if we spend it with those we love.
I wish there was more to this story, though. It didn't have much of an actual story to it. Just a description of the day from the perspective of the younger sister.
I thought the illustrations were beautiful. I loved the contrast of colours. I really like the use of shapes in the pictures.

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Really sweet story that showcases the importance of a big sister’s love! Important lesson for kids to learn that even when everything goes wrong, that it is important to keep an open mind and not get discouraged. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and let the entire day be ruined, but the right person can make anywhere fun!

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