Siblings are our first friends. They make life more colorful and give us people to squabble with. They defend us when we’re in trouble and they’re our first partners-in-crime. I’m not one to be against sibling squabbles in books because I know they’re normal. However, unnecessary meanness or name-calling, I can’t get behind.
These picture books about siblings highlight the highs and lows of sibling relationships, from the adjustment of gaining a new sibling to the camaraderie that develops between them. If you’re looking for books to mirror healthy sibling relationships, you’ll find them here.
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30 Wonderful Picture Books About Sibling Relationships
Here are 30+ picture books about siblings:
The New Small Person
Published: February 10, 2015
Elmore Green starts life as an only child, as many children do. He has a room to himself, where he can line up his precious things and nobody will move them one inch. But one day everything changes. When the new small person comes along, it seems that everybody might like it a bit morethan they like Elmore Green. And when the small person knocks over Elmore’s things and even licks his jelly-bean collection, Elmore’s parents say that he can’t be angry because the small person is only small. Elmore wants the small person to go back to wherever it came from. Then, one night, everything changes. . . . In her signature visual style, Lauren Child gets to the heart of a child’s evolving emotions about becoming a big brother or sister.
What Brothers Do Best
![What Brothers Do Best by Numeroff, Laura (Brdbk Edition) [Boardbook(2012)]](https://i0.wp.com/m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51hPjO2d2NL._SL500_.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&ssl=1 "What Brothers Do Best by Numeroff, Laura (Brdbk Edition) [Boardbook(2012)]")
Published: July 25, 2012
This delightful board book by renowned author-illustrator team Laura Numeroff and Lynn Munsinger celebrates all the wonderful things brothers can do! Brothers can push you on a swing, make music with you, and take you to the library. But what do brothers do best? The answer is clear in this appealing board book, celebrating brothers and the everyday things they do.
My Sister, Daisy
Published: September 1, 2021
Daisy’s older brother is thrilled when he gets a new sibling. They are best buddies who do everything together. But in kindergarten, things change. His sibling tells him she is a girl and wants to be called Daisy. Daisy’s brother must adjust to the change―including what it means for him and their relationship. A powerful, moving picture book based on a true story, My Sister, Daisy handles a sensitive subject with warmth and love.
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family
Published: September 10, 2019
With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It’s the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it’s her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab–a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.
Little Miss, Big Sis
Published: June 16, 2015
The big news is this: Little Miss becomes a big sis! Little Miss learns the wonders of becoming a big sister as she and her family celebrate the momentous arrival of a new baby.
From Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Peter H. Reynolds, the creators of Plant a Kiss, comes a charming story about Little Miss, who is about to become a big sis.
A perfect gift for any child becoming a big brother or sister and any expecting families!
Maple & Willow Together
Published: November 4, 2014
Maple and Willow do everything together. They love playing outside throughout the whole year, welcoming the sun, rain, leaves, and snow. But it’s not always sunshine and rainbows, because sometimes big sisters can be bossy—and sometimes little sisters can be frustrating—and even the best of friends need a break from each other . . . at least until they can no longer bear to be apart.
Two is for Twins
Published: January 1, 2011
Two is for Twins. Please ask if you need a specific version. The data provided here may not be correct. With buying and not asking you are accepting the book as is.
Snow Sisters!
Published: January 2, 2018
When snowflakes fall, two sisters react in different ways. One is excited and the other is wary. The first sister spends the morning outdoors, playing until she’s all tuckered out. Meanwhile, the second sister stays indoors, becoming ever more curious about the drifts outside. Soon, they switch places, and spend the second half of the day retracing each other’s footsteps. But each sister puts her own unique spin on activities like sledding, baking and building.
Virginia Wolf
Published: March 1, 2012
Vanessa’s sister, Virginia, is in a “wolfish” mood — growling, howling and acting very strange. It’s a funk so fierce, the whole household feels topsy-turvy. Vanessa tries everything she can think of to cheer her up, but nothing seems to work. Then Virginia tells Vanessa about an imaginary, perfect place called Bloomsberry. Armed with an idea, Vanessa begins to paint Bloomsberry on the bedroom walls, transforming them into a beautiful garden complete with a ladder and swing “so that what was down could climb up.” Before long, Virginia, too, has picked up a brush and undergoes a surprising transformation of her own. Loosely based on the relationship between author Virginia Woolf and her sister, painter Vanessa Bell, Virginia Wolf is an uplifting story for readers of all ages.
Wolfie the Bunny
Published: February 17, 2015
The Bunny family has adopted a wolf son, and daughter Dot is the only one who realizes Wolfie can–and might–eat them all up! Dot tries to get through to her parents, but they are too smitten to listen. A new brother takes getting used to, and when (in a twist of fate) it’s Wolfie who’s threatened, can Dot save the day?
Lola Reads to Leo
Published: February 1, 2012
Join Lola as she learns what it means to be a big sister, in the third installment in the loveable Lola series. We all know how much Lola loves books, so it is no surprise that she can’t wait to share her love of reading with her new baby brother, Leo. Lola gets ready for little Leo’s arrival by reading books about brothers and sisters and picking out the perfect stories that she just knows her little brother will love. When the baby is finally here, Lola takes on the role of big sister—she helps her mommy and daddy around the house and tells Leo stories to cheer him up when he cries. Simple text and bright and charming illustrations celebrate family, reading, and what it means to be a big sister.
Gemma & Gus
Published: March 3, 2015
Meet Gemma and Gus, the newest characters in Olivier Dunrea’s irresistable Gossie & Friends series! Gemma is the big sister. Gus is the little brother. Gus is always following Gemma around, but one day Gus sets out on his own. Just who is following who?
Allie All Along
Published: August 7, 2018
“Allie’s crayon broke.
I blinked.
She was suddenly . . .
furious, fuming, frustrated . . .”
Have you ever felt mad enough to stomp, smash, and crash? Allie has! Meet one angry little girl and see how she calms down, bit by bit—with the help of her understanding big brother.
Poor Allie! She’s in a rage, throwing a tantrum, and having a fit! Her emotions have built and built and now they just burst. Is there a sweet little girl hiding somewhere under all the angry layers? And can her big brother find a way to make things all right again? In the tradition of When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry and Sometimes I’m Bombaloo, Allie All Along explores simple ways kids can center themselves in the face of overwhelming emotions. The illustrations’ varying hues and vibrant colors capture the powerful feelings that young children can’t always express in words.
Sleep Well, Siba & Saba
Published: October 1, 2017
Forgetful sisters Siba and Saba are always losing something. Sandals, slippers, sweaters―you name it, they lose it. When the two sisters fall asleep each night, they dream about the things they have lost that day. Until, one night, their dreams begin to reveal something entirely unexpected… With playful illustrations and a lullaby-like rhythm, this heart-warming story set in Uganda is truly one to be treasured.
Mia Moves Out
Published: October 16, 2018
Mia loved her big, bright room . . . until she had to share it with her new brother. With Brandon’s toys, books, and even underwear taking up space, Mia has finally had it. “I’m moving out!” There are lots of new and interesting spaces she could settle into–the bathroom, the basement, even a pillow fort. But something is always missing. What could it be? Tackling the oh-so-relatable topic of finding a space of one’s own, Mia will inspire siblings everywhere to work together as a team. Because sometimes the best place of all is a shared one.
Philomena’s New Glasses
Published: August 15, 2017
Philomena needs new glasses. Her sister Audrey wants them, too. And if Philomena and Audrey have them, shouldn’t their sister Nora Jane also have them?
I Used to Be Famous
Published: April 1, 2019
Can Kiely share the stage with a new star?
Kiely’s been famous her entire life, but when a baby sister appears on the scene, she feels like a has-been. Now Kiely has to figure out how to gain back the attention of her adoring fans (her family), even if it means sharing the spotlight.
Adèle & Simon
Published: September 5, 2006
When Simon’s older sister, Adèle, picks him up from school, he has his hat and gloves and scarf and sweater, his coat and knapsack and books and crayons, and a drawing of a cat he made that morning. Adèle makes Simon promise to try not to lose anything. But as they make their way home, distractions cause Simon to leave something behind at every stop. What will they tell their mother?
Max’s Castle
Published: October 25, 2011
When Max finds a pile of forgotten toys under the bed, his brothers Benjamin and Karl wonder what’s so special about some old blocks. So Max shows them. With some clever twists of both blocks and imagination, he constructs not only a castle but an entire adventure, complete with pirates and knights, a dark dungeon and a dragon.
Violet and Victor Write the Best-Ever Bookworm Book
Published: December 2, 2014
Violet and Victor Small are twins on a mission: to write the best book in the whole, entire world–together! Victor is reluctant, but Violet is determined, and soon the ideas can’t come quickly enough.
They begin to write a story about a hungry Bookworm who is eating all the books in the library. Thanks to Victor’s brilliant ideas, Violet is able to save the day (and the library).
Ish
Published: August 19, 2004
Ramon loved to draw. Anytime. Anything. Anywhere.
Drawing is what Ramon does. It’s what makes him happy. But in one split second, all that changes. A single reckless remark by Ramon’s older brother, Leon, turns Ramon’s carefree sketches into joyless struggles. Luckily for Ramon, though, his little sister, Marisol, sees the world differently. She opens his eyes to something a lot more valuable than getting things just “right.” Combining the spareness of fable with the potency of parable, Peter Reynolds shines a bright beam of light on the need to kindle and tend our creative flames with care.
When Pigs Fly
Published: February 27, 2018
Henry is ready to do what no pig has done before. “But pigs can’t fly,” says his sister, Henrietta. Nothing will stop Henry from trying, until it looks as though gravity might finally get the better of him. Fortunately, Henrietta has an idea that gives both of them a lift. Henry’s determination and Henrietta’s imagination combine to make a positive sibling story about creative play and teamwork.
One Special Day: A Story for Big Brothers and Sisters
Published: March 20, 2012
Does having a new brother or sister make you into MORE than you already are?
Spencer is about to find out.
He’s as strong as a bear, as funny as a monkey, and as wild as a tiger. But on one special day, everything changes. Now Spencer is strong, funny, wild, brave, free . . . and gentle, too.
Louise Loves Art
Published: September 9, 2014
Meet Louise. Louise loves art more than anything. It’s her imagination on the outside. She is determined to create a masterpiece—her pièce de résistance!
Louise also loves Art, her little brother. This is their story.
Milo and Georgie
Published: April 11, 2017
When Milo’s family moves to a new city, he vows to officially retire from having fun. So he stays inside for days while his little sister, Georgie, yearns to explore the new neighborhood. Finally, Milo ties Georgie to the end of a ball of yarn so she can go out, on one condition: she has to come home when he tugs the string twice.
But one day, Georgie isn’t at the end of the string. Which means Milo might just have to step outside and discover everything he’s been missing. Charming, detailed artwork illustrates their vibrant new city in this heartwarming story about supporting each other, building community, adapting to change, and embracing new things.
Hazel and Twig: The Birthday Fortune
Published: April 10, 2018
Twig’s first birthday is coming up, and her whole family — especially her older sister, Hazel — is eager to see what she will choose at herdoljabi.Whatever item Twig chooses will tell her fortune: Will she pick a hammer and grow up to be a builder? Will she pick a lute and grow up to be a musician? Hazel is hoping that Twig will choose the yarn, just like she did when she was Twig’s age. When the big day arrives and Twig makes an unexpected choice, will Hazel be able to help figure out what the future might hold for her little sister? Sweet, serious Hazel and the adorable Twig are certain to win the hearts of readers, who will long to enter their cozy woodland world.
Alphonse, That Is Not OK To Do! (Natalie and Alphonse #1)
Published: March 3, 2016
From the remarkable new talent behind The Girl With the Parrot on Her Head comes a story about two monster siblings, Natalie and Alphonse. Natalie mostly loves her little brother Alphonse being there – they name the pigeons, bounce things off the bunk beds, have stories in the chair and make lots of fun stuff together. But, when Natalie catches Alphonse eating her most favourite book, well – that is not OK! Daisy’s expressive, bold illustration and unique picture book voice will enchant and charm all readers in this truly original new title.
Brothers Forever
Published: January 1, 1994
Brothers may squabble and fight, but when it comes right down to it, the relationship between brothers is often the closest and most enduring of a boy’s life. Here, P. K. Hallinan draws on his experience of raising two sons to illustrate the many facets of the relationship. We see the boys playing together, sharing in chores, helping one another, disagreeing, and laughing themselves silly. What they know is that just being together is the best thing of all. P. K. brings his usual warmth and humor to the rhyming verse and bright watercolors.
My Big Brother
Published: March 4, 2017
There’s nothing quite like a sibling bond. Written in beautiful rhyme this is an excellent story that values patience, acceptance and bond between a big brother and his baby sister.
*A wonderful way to prepare your child for a new baby
* Focus on the special place a big brother has in his parents lives
*Build excitement over anxiety for your older child
*Help your older child to feel more connected to the new baby.
How Not to Start Third Grade
Published: June 26, 2013
Will should be excited to start third grade. But his little brother, Steve, is starting kindergarten. The same laugh-out-loud writing and hilarious illustrations that brought us How Not to Babysit Your Brother now portray the tribulations and embarrassments of starting school with a very troublesome little brother. School will never be the same!
Zen Shorts
Published: March 1, 2005
Jon J Muth, author of the best-selling book, The Three Questions, has crafted another profound and winning picture book.”Michael,” said Karl. “There’s a really big bear in the backyard.” This is how three children meet Stillwater, a giant panda who moves into the neighborhood and tells amazing tales. To Addy he tells a story about the value of material goods. To Michael he pushes the boundaries of good and bad. And to Karl he demonstrates what it means to hold on to frustration. With graceful art and simple stories that are filled with love and enlightenment, Jon Muth — and Stillwater the bear — present three ancient Zen tales that are sure to strike a chord in everyone they touch.
Zoo-Mate Wanted
Zoo-Mate Wanted is an adorable picture book featuring two physically identically sisters with (of course) different personalities. Leah and Lilly love each other, but they just have different preferences. One day, after dealing with Leah’s messes, Lilly gets fed up and moves out of their room. Leah is unfazed, and just decides she’ll find a new “zoo-mate” who doesn’t mind messes and is willing to paint and get creative everywhere and whenever. After interviewing and testing out a few animal friends, she realizes finding a new zoo-mate isn’t as easy as it seems.
There they are: 30+ of the best picture books about siblings. Which of these books have you read? What did I miss?
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