“Sisters, sisters, There were never such devoted sisters…” So begins the famous and funny Irving Berlin song, which plays on in my head as though someone jammed the repeat button whenever the word “sisters,” is thrown about. And anyone who has a sister knows how well Mr. Berlin captures the lovely and yet complicated relationship that is sisterhood. I myself have four sisters, and now have three daughters, so I know the dynamics well. Sisters share everything, which we simultaneously love (when we need something) and hate (when sister needs something). We look up to and admire each other, while also constantly competing with one another. Our sisters are our first friends, taking care of each other, while also trying desperately to create our own identities apart from one another. Complicated, no? In today’s pick for Perfect Picture Book Friday, LeUyen Pham has done a great job of representing it; the sometimes frustrating, yet ultimately wonderful bond of sisterhood.
BIG SISTER, LITTLE SISTER
- Written and Illustrated By: LeUyen Pham
- Published By: Hyperion (July 18, 2005)
- Suitable For: Ages 4 and up
- Topics/Themes: Family
- Opening: “In this family, we have two sisters. She’s the big sister. I’m the little sister.”
- Synopsis: (from jacketflap) The Big one gets new clothes. The Little one gets hand-me-downs. The Big one does everything first. The Little one is always catching up But the little one can do some things well, and can even teach the older one a thing or two…. Big sisters and little sisters alike will agree: this is a sassy and touching celebration of sisterhood for all ages.
- Links to resources: The author has just the cutest page on her website dedicated to this book. There is a template to make paper dolls as well as some links to “sister” pictures that her fans have sent her. You could look at these “sister” pictures and then draw your own. You could also ask some follow-up questions after reading the story. “What do you like about being a big sister/little sister?” “What is hard about being a big sister/little sister?” One thing I like to do with my girls is have them sit in a circle and go around and say one thing that they appreciate about each other. It helps them focus on the positive things about having sisters, which is not always easy for them to see.
- Why I Like this Book: The art in this book is definitely what drew me in. The sister characters are just so stinkin’ adorable. I mean, LOOK at that cover! Who could resist it? The text is spare, but she does a great job with the voice, and the interplay between the words and pictures is just perfect. If you have daughters, this would be a great choice for your bookshelf.
For more fun reads and links to helpful resources, please visit Perfect Picture Book Fridays at Susanna Leonard Hill’s amazing blog!
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