Books by Theme

Brothers & Sisters, Sisters & Brothers

Whether it's a bratty little brother or a bossy older sister, sometimes siblings make you want to scream! Other times they'll turn around and do something so nice it takes your breath away. This list of recommended books for kids ages 0-9 is dedicated to siblings, both older and younger, who are such an important part of many a family's life.

7 x 9 = Trouble!

By: Claudia Mills
Illustrated by: G. Brian Karas
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Wilson, a third grader, struggles with multiplication. He wishes he were as smart as the other kids in his class, or even his little brother, Kipper, who is a kindergarten math wiz. Wilson perseveres, however, and not only passes his times table test but gains a pet!

Annie Rose Is My Little Sister

By: Shirley Hughes
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Alfie, a preschooler, understands his baby sister, Annie Rose. Like most siblings, Annie Rose is both a delight and a trial. In this book, realistic illustrations depict real children in sometimes untidy but always recognizable settings.

Attaboy, Sam!

By: Lois Lowry
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Sam uses a great deal of initiative to make just the right birthday present for his mother. But when he combines all of her favorite smells to make the perfect perfume, disastrous (and odiferous) results permeate this worthy sequel to All About Sam.

Black Is Brown Is Tan

By: Arnold Adoff
Illustrated by: Emily Arnold McCully
Genre: Fiction, Poetry
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Rhythmic language and luminous paintings show the joy of this warm and loving family as they rejoice in their differences.

Daisy and the Egg

By: Jane Simmons
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Daisy, a winsome young duck, never looses faith that her new sibling will emerge from the egg, despite her mother’s warning that some eggs just don’t hatch. Daisy’s perseverance pays off when her new brother Pip finally pokes his way out of the shell. Cozy illustrations capture Daisy’s child-like confidence in an appealing story of determination and loyalty.

Emma's Yucky Brother

By: Jean Little, Jennifer Plecas
Illustrated by: Jennifer Plecas
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Emma is thrilled that her family is adopting a 4-year old boy. She soon learns, though, that being an older sister isn’t what she thought it would be at all. Gradually, Emma and Max start to feel like siblings as each child begins to adapt to their family's new configuration. Expressive, simply drawn illustrations extend the smooth text.

Jamaica Tag-Along

By: Juanita Havill
Illustrated by: Anne Sibley O'Brien
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

When Ossie, Jamaica’s older brother, goes out to play, Jamaica follows. Ossie tells Jamaica that she’s a tag-along. But Jamaica soon meets another friend and together they turn the tables on her brother. Realistic watercolors convey the children’s emotions.

Julius, Baby of the World

By: Kevin Henkes
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Lilly is sick and tired of hearing about the wonders of Julius, her new baby brother. Because she wants him to go back to where he came from, Lilly spends a lot of time in the "uncooperative chair." But when a cousin criticizes Julius, Lilly learns just how protective a big sister can feel. Deceptively simple line and wash illustrations show the intense emotions of Lilly and her mouse family.

Max's First Word

By: Rosemary Wells
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

No matter how hard Ruby tries to get her baby brother to say the names of the objects around him, Max will only say “Bang!” One day, however, Ruby gets a big surprise from Max’s first real word. Understated humor and bright, bold illustrations appeal to children and their adults.

Zack in the Middle

By: Dia Michels, Fred Bell
Illustrated by: Fred Bell
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Being stuck in between a busy older sister and a cute baby sister makes Zack feel out of place. Then he discovers being in the middle isn’t so bad after all. Lighthearted illustrations extend the recognizable situations described in the breezy text.

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Rachael Walker
Rachael Walker
September 17, 2018

Start with a Book: Read. Talk. Explore.

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