The Younger Brother's Survival Guide

This book is a terrific readaloud for ages 5-10. The story of a young boy whose sister likes to "trick" him is a relatable story for many children. The illustrations are really well done. It is a 2009 nominee for Childrens Choice Washington State picture book. The little white cat on every page is also fun for the kids to see. A very amusing story.

This has a great premise: A 9- or 10-year old boy writes a manual for all younger brothers of tyrannical sisters. The inside of the bookcover looks like lined, hole-punched notebook paper for authenticity. The narrator gives his picked-upon brethren some tips to foil mean-spirited sisters, or to otherwise give them a taste of their own medicine. She puts "secret" awful tasting ingredients in your "Mystery Shake?" Switches glasses when she's not looking! She dresses you in silly clothes, then shares the photos with her friends? Kopelke imparts some wisdom, and then a teaser: "Just go along. There are some things you have to put up with. Besides, you can take funnier pictures of her later." (This latter sentence is written against a dark background, emphasizing its clandestine nature.) The younger brother isn't always Mr. Innocent, as when he sneaks up to spy on her sister and her friends in the family treehouse. Tip: "If you don't want your sister to hear you, don't tie a rope around your waist and jump off the deck, even if you are a superhero." Injury is added to insult when his siter cuts the rope as superboy flies off the deck. I like that the book doesn't have a sappy "we're really great friends" conclusion. When the sister's away at summer camp, her brother says that he enjoys doing nice things for her "to show how much I miss her." To my surprise and delight, the 'nice thing' is totally messing up her room, followed by the final hint: "Ride away really fast when your sister finds out what you've done." (Apparently, he's not as fast as she is, because the last page shows her comfortably leaning against a tree to which she has tied him! The book has several funny scenes, and a ubiquitous white cat, whom I think sides with whomever has the upper hand. The pictures combine simple, casual lines with excellent composition and use of color. My main complaint is that some of the situations seem too juvenile or unlikely compared with the others (e.g., Tip #2: don't believe your sister when she tells you to put candy up your nose, and Tip #3, Don't try to get the candy out of your nose with bubble gum). Some other situations with a little more imagination, complexity, or wit would have improved the overall humor and cohesion of the book. Also, except for the narrative about summer break, the book is a slightly too episodic. However, this may be necessary given the target audience, and the conceit that it's the boy writing the book, not Ms. Kopelke. (We can't expect the younger brother to show too much insight). The 'Survival Guide' is a fun, balanced (sort of) look at sibling revenge, one that boys, especially, will enjoy. Perhaps a companion piece for sisters is in the offing!