What Sisters Do Best/What Brothers Do Best

"What Sisters Do Best/What Brothers Do Best" follows the format and style of Laura Numeroff and Lynn Munsinger's other collaborations "What Mothers/Fathers Do Best" and "What Grandmas/Grandpas" do best. Each part of the book is written with a trio of phrases with corresponding pictures that Sisters or Brothers do best for younger siblings. "Sisters can help you climb a tree, push you on a swing and share a delicious snack." When you reach the middle "but best of all..." you flip the book over and read the other way. The structure is simple but what really makes these books enjoyable are the pictures depicting animal pairs in the various situations. Even though the Sisters/Brothers are doing the same thing in writing the visual is much different. For example, when the sister koalas climb the tree, the branch bends precariously close to the ground. When the brother pigs climb the tree, the younger pig is hanging from a branch while the older pig assists with the climb. Big brother and little sister goat play classical music on violin and flute while the hedgehogs play rock music on drums and guitars. The slight variations in the pictures create different nuances to the same activity and also break down gender stereotypes. The older sister dog is "there when you need them" when the younger sibling loses a baseball game. The older brother panda is "there" when the younger sibiling needs help with homework. Throughout, the siblings are presented as positive role models but also having fun. The sister hedgehogs make a leaning tower of multi-colored modeling clay. The brother and sister goat create a castle. Further, the pictures provide many talking points for the reader to explore. When we have read these with our children there are so many things to talk about with each page that each reading is different. Children will want to read these over and over, the sign of a great children's book. Recommended for toddler through preschool, although my five year old still enjoys the series and even her older brother came over to listen in on the story when I pulled this out for the first reading.

This is a well illustrated book (actually the pictures are more engaging than the words) that shows the many ways that brothers and sisters can love and have fun with each other. I too was a bit surprised that the text was the same for both sides of the equation but it does reinforce the fact that there are no gender specific opportunities to be shared and everyone has something to give. This is a good "reading together" book for parents and children as it offers a springboard for conversation as to their own favorite spots, games, snacks and toys. A good gift for yourself or someone you love.

This book is for preschool children. Its unique feature is a repeat of the book in a gender neutral fashion. The book essentially has two front covers since you can read it in either direction. The content is good for siblings who need to learn how to help eachother.

Brothers aren't always a lot of fun because they are good at teasing, but there are some things they are good at. A brother can help you get up into a tree by grunting and pushing on your toes when you are trying so hard to get up there your tummy is showing. They are good for that. A brother can make you break out in a huge smile when he pushes you on a tire swing and then afterwards let you nibble on one end of that HUGE sandwich with the Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato falling out the side. Sluuuurp! He'll even let you have a pint of milk with it. A brother can help you learn to swim and not let you drown, help you build a 1,000 piece puzzle, let you win a game now and then and even help you clean your room if he is being especially nice. Brothers aren't always nice, but sometimes they are and when they are nice they are super duper nice! Sisters aren't always fun because they can be very selfish at times, but there are some things they are really nice about. They can put your teddy bear in the crook of a tree while they make sure you don't fall out of it and BOP your head. They can push you on a swing even when they'd rather be sliding instead and afterwards they will let you stick your paws in the popcorn tub at the movies. YUM! They can show you how to play soccer, let you almost catch them when you play tag and even will help you build a model plane. They are really good at playing the guitar when you pound on your drums and are especially handy when it comes to having a tea party. They are even nice enough to dress up for it! They aren't always handy, they aren't always nice, but they really are there for you when you need them! I just loved this double sided book and enjoyed the heartwarming relationships between the animal siblings in this book. Naturally brothers and sisters don't always get along, but when they do it creates the best of times and the best memories for the future. This is one of those books that a child will think of way down the line and think about the good times they actually had with a sibling, nicely forgetting the bad. The illustrations of the assorted animal brothers and sisters were absolutely adorable and lent a lot to this story. This is the perfect gift book for siblings, even if you are all grown up!

I have a 6 year old daughter, 4 year old son and a baby boy. The eldest is always talking about how she loves to be a sister but there are times when it wears on her to have the youngest chewing on a MLP and the middle child wearing her dress up hat along with matching slippers and purse. ;) The author of this book has written a couple other books on our shelves here and "What sisters do Best/What Brothers Do Best" is now top of the ratings in our house! And it also offers a nice opportunity to sit down as a family and remind them why being siblings is soooo wonderful! The illustrations are cute and whimsical and my kids find the flip style reading really cool. Of course, since they both know the book pertains to them, it also has started a few squabbles as to which side will be read first..bringing up the opportunity to talk about even more life lessons LOL! Great book for an only child who may be expecting a sibling as well.