The relationship between siblings can be the most precious bond that people share. You are born with the expectation that you are supposed to love each other, however, many siblings spend the majority of their lives fighting and making up. This is the one relationship in your life that you feel duty bound to keep active and helpless to escape at times. It is a tale as old as time, and anyone with a sibling knows how truly special–and at the same time infuriating–it is to have a built-in friend for life. That’s the kind of thing that needs to be addressed on National Sibling Day. That’s officially April 10th, but the books below are always recommended for helping children understand the sibling relationship from different points of view…
One Special Day, By Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Jessica Meserve
Spencer’s family is getting ready for a new baby. He is a rough and tumble boy with a wild imagination that brings him through the “jungles” of his back yard. Will his new sibling be as adventurous as him?
Mooshka: A Quilt Story, Written and illustrated by Julie Paschkis
Karla’s new sister Hanna is coming–and Hanna’s crib is being set up in Karla’s room. As she struggles to accept that she must start sharing her world (and her room), Karla comes to understand how the quilt that she made with her grandmother ties family together.
When Molly Was in the Hospital: A Book for Brothers and Sisters of Hospitalized Children, Written by Debbie Duncan, illustrated by Nina Ollikainen, M.D.
Anna’s sister Molly is hospitalized, and Anna tells the story from her own point of view, and begins to understand how siblings can protect each other even while fighting for the affections of their parents.
The Adventures of Bella and Harry, Written by Lisa Manzione and Illustrated by Kristine Lucco
Bella and Harry are sibling Chihuahuas, and they learn about family and getting along even as they learn about different cultures and languages together.
Two Heads are Better than One, Written by H.B. Homzie and Illustrated by Matt Phillips
Barton and Nancy have a pretty normal life in their hometown of Pine Bluff–until we get to the start of the “Alien Clones from Outer Space series,” with Barton and Nancy suddenly dealing with alien siblings.
