My Sister and Me
by Joana Estrela
Orca Book Publishers, 2024
ISBN 978-1-4598-3752-2
$21.95, 25 pp, ages 4 – 10
orcabook.com
Using a letter format, a young girl explains to her sister the numerous annoying, destructive, and disheartening ways a little sister can behave. The illustrations are simple and childlike, with pages scribbled over with crayons, stickers affixed onto pictures, and voice bubbles emitting unwelcome sounds and phrases. Readers will recognize the many ways that a younger sibling can be considered an alien or someone you would swear to never speak to again. Sharing—even chicken pox—is a constant source of irritation. Stories and socks get jumbled together as these sisters fight and play together, but in the end, this older sister is grateful that they are there for each other, and the letter is signed with love.
Classroom Connections: Anyone with a younger sibling will recognize the common irritants of that particular family relationship. Writing a letter to their sister or brother detailing things that are unappreciated and those that one is grateful for is an interesting exercise that students can do at most age levels. The illustrations, mirroring the drawing capabilities of most children, can provide
a model to encourage students to draw a detailed picture of just “one moment,” such as blowing out candles on a cake or biting an arm. This will encourage children to avoid stereotypical drawings of common scenes and provide practice in focusing on detail.
Review by Betty Schultze.
This review is featured in Canadian Teacher Magazine’s Fall 2024 issue.
