Great Read Alouds: Sibling stories

For many families, summer means spending more time together. Siblings may be together more than usual, which makes it an ideal time to nurture a special bond between them. Here are some lovely new picture books that celebrate positive sibling dynamics within the context of a good story.  

Flower Girls written by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

Daisy’s family grows fields of flowers. When she's ready to start her own garden, her older sisters have very different ideas about how she should go about it. Daisy adores her sisters but has her own personality and plans. A farm full of flowers is the perfect setting for the message “everything blooms in its own time.” Fancy Nancy illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser is the perfect person to create the exquisite artwork for this story. And her own sister is the author!

"A satisfying tale of sisterhood—and of a younger sibling who finds a way to shine." — Kirkus Reviews

First There Was Me, Then There Was You written by Yvonne Sewankambo and illustrated by Aurore McLeod

The narrator’s endearing message to his younger sister is one of reassurance. Although there will be occasional squabbles, he loves her and they are in this together. The rich illustrations expand the story beyond its minimal text.  

Yvonne Sewankambo is a Ugandan-Canadian writer and publicist based in Sydney, Australia. She has worked on campaigns across several industries, including publishing, film, television, and the nonprofit sector. Having lived in four countries on three different continents (and traveled to even more), she is passionate about telling stories that transcend borders.

Astronaut Sisters by Julie Fortenberry

Sisters Rosie and Fern spend an entire day gathering simple props and using their imaginations to soar into space. The next day we discover why they know so much about being astronauts. This is a sweet story about siblings at play with plenty of details for space enthusiasts to appreciate.

"A joyous ode to the power of play, the bond between sisters, and the vital representation of women in STEM." —Kirkus Reviews

Little and Big written by Anne Gutman and illustrated by Georg Hallensleben

It is nightfall in the great forest and two young lemurs each want what the other has. Little brother Faly wants the freedom, independence and the later bedtime of big brother Mahandry. Mahandry wishes he had it easy like Faly. Their complaints are enough to drive their mother crazy, but she keeps her cool and reassures them she loves them both. Illustrated with vibrant, playful oil paintings, this book offers both an entertaining story and a helpful lesson about equity.

“A delightful and insightful child’s-eye musing on size.” —Kirkus Reviews