The Pain and the Great One (A Dell Picture Yearling)

Wordsmith Judy Blume uses more verbal magic in this illustrated children's book about a little brother and a big sister. Another book that, at age 12, seemed "too kiddie" and beneath me. I don't care if you're 60, 16, or 6 years-old! Even if you did not have the experience of growing up with siblings, or, in my case, I was the youngest, but had a smaller niece that acted as a baby sister.Read so you know the title. Read so you know better than any Child Psychology book on the structure of Sibling Dynamics!

My son (8 yrs old) read this to his sister (6 yrs old) while I was combing her hair. We all laughed so much, he had to read parts over. This is a school library book and I am ordering it now to keep on our library shelf. It will be the book I give to ever child I know.My children are exactly at the age of the characters with reverse gender. They could readily identify with the situations and could laugh at very 'real' conversations. I am sure they recalled how many times they have each said, "You love him/her better than me." I know I could. I want them to read this book once a month so they can remember the joy in having each other.

We have six children--ALL of them have identified with this book at some time or another. It truly gives both perspectives..."I think Mom and Dad like him/her best." It is cute, but elicits a compassionate understanding from both older and younger children. My nine year old thought it would be a great shower gift for her friend who is expecting a little brother!

My 8 year old daughter and I loved reading this book together and then with her grandmother who found it as enjoyable as we did. Judy Blume's story telling through the mind of children is astoundingly precise! The illustrations add to the story so well I felt as though I were in the head of the children -- siblings -- who tell their perspective of why they think their parents love the other better. A must have for siblings... Well, actually ALL kids should read this one, just in case a sibling comes along someday!

I found this book hilarious for entire families. It was a true description of the different mindsets from youngest to oldest. Judy depicted the characters so perfectly and realistically. I'm sure every child, parent, grandparent,etc can identify and ring home good lessons from this lifelike story.