Siblings is an interesting concept in my house. I have twins so they have always had a sibling, a playmate, another kid who is always there. Neither of them seems entirely comfortable when the other one is absent for any stretch of time. I also grew up with two siblings. I’m the oldest, so I don’t have any memories prior to their arrival.
Learning to get along with a sibling (or many). Learning to share space with a sibling. Accepting the appearance of a new sibling. These are all impactful moments in any childhood. Siblings help to shape who we are as people.
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The books included below are my favorites about sibling relationships. For the importance of these relationships. They range on topic and time of life, but they all share warm stories of siblings.
Picture Books about Sibling Relationships
Spellbound
by Jess Townes
illustrated by Jennifer Harney
SPELLBOUND is adorable. It’s the story of a little witch whose adoring parents are suddenly bewitched by the arrival of a new baby brother. It’s a story any older sibling can relate to couched in a whimsically playful story about magic. I love the well chosen, well paced, brief text that works so well for reading aloud. I love the illustrations that shimmer with purples and yellows in a bright, but muted palate. SPELLBOUND is full of heart and humor. A great story for the arrival of new siblings and for a non-frightening Halloween read aloud.
Before the World Wakes
by Estelle Laure
This is the story of a brother and sister who get up super early and go explore outside together. I love that this is their favorite part of the day. I love the celebration of simple moments. I love the little details like the siblings wearing blankets like capes around their necks when they go out to explore. It is a gentle, warm story about siblings spending time together.
Little Brothers & Little Sisters
by Monica Arnaldo
I’m not a little sister or brother so I guess I can’t say this with 100% accuracy, but I’m pretty sure Monica Arnaldo nailed this one. The plight of the little sibling is described with humor and honesty. It is sparse. It is amusing. This is simplistic perfection.
Jamaica Tag Along
by Juanita Havill
illustrations by Anne Sibley O’Brien
This is a classic from the 1990s. We had this one in my house shortly after my second sibling was born and I think it addresses how both the older and younger child feels about having a sibling quite well. It’s the timeless, universally relatable story of an older sibling who is tired of a little sibling and a younger sibling who always wants to tag along.
Phoebe and Digger
by Tricia Springstubb
illustrated by Jeff Newman
There are a lot of emotions books that cheerfully discuss each emotion page by page. Many of these are great, this is a favorite, but I also love books that just bring all of these emotions out in their realistic little protagonist. The books begins “when Mama got a new baby…Phoebe got a new digger.” Phoebe is a new big sister who feels all the feels about her new role. The story climaxes when a bully at the park takes digger from Phoebe. Suddenly, Phoebe is a little girl who still needs her Mama very much. Fortunately Mama steps in at the perfect time ending the book with a wonderful message for all new siblings. Springstubb offers a unique and realistic portrayal of life with a new sibling. Phoebe is a character full of spunk and emotion whose realness makes her so easy to love. The perfect book for families getting ready for another baby.
Annie Rose is My Little Sister
by Shirley Hughes
Alfie and Annie Rose are definitely the favorite siblings in our house, but I’m looking forward to other books you find to fit this one. This is a sweet collection of stories and poems about Annie Rose and her brother Alfie. Typical childhood captured with Hughes’ magical touch.
Rodeo Red
by Maripat Perkins
illustrated by Molly Idle
Oh the voice in this is hilarious. It is so much fun to read this one aloud – make sure to have your best cowboy accent handy. Told from the perspective of the older sister, Rodeo Red, this one is all about those new busy baby issues. Super funny but also sure to be relatable to all those new big siblings out there.
Mia Moves Out
by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Paige Keiser
This is the story of a little girl who gets fed up with the noise level in her room from her new brother and decides to move out. I love that she moves into the bathroom and then a closet. And I love the role that books play. Mostly I love the ups and downs of having a little brother. I can so relate.
Maple and Willow Apart
by Lori Nichols
I adore the whole MAPLE AND WILLOW series and the way they capture the every day issues and beauty of siblings. In this one, Maple is headed off to school and Willow is left behind. Being an oldest sibling I must admit I had never thought about it from the younger sibling side, only the older sibling jealousy about all the fun stuff they must being doing without me. This handles both perspectives with care and honesty and such sweetness. A great one for back to school time but truly any in this series are dear.
Little Miss, Big Sis
by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Completely adorable book about a big sister and sibling relationships. As the oldest of three this book spoke to me in particular. It has short text, funny and sweet illustrations, and a great overall message for new siblings.
I Love My Little Brother
by Serene Chia
illustrated by Rita Nilson
Having a new sibling can cause a lot of confusion and feelings. Kids often wonder where they fit in this reshaped family. What is their role? This book sweetly addresses these questions – written part from the child’s perspective and part directed to the child. It offers some practical ideas for how an older sibling could help their parents or interact with their new sibling. The illustrations are gentle and match the upbeat words well. An encouraging book to read with a new sibling.
