Brother, Sister, Me and You

Toddler-PreS–Detailed, close-up photographs depict young animal siblings in this simple rhyming book. A single phrase on each spread will appeal to very young children, who will be drawn to the bright, concentrated colors, the natural rhythm, and the opportunity to supply some of the easy-to-remember phrases such as: "Ducklings paddle through the water/Brother splashes sister otter." More extensive animal facts fill the back section with entries on the Lion, Honeybee, Mallard Duck, Eurasian Otter, Leatherback Sea Turtle, European Robin, Beaver, Guppy, Brown Bear, and Gray Wolf. There is also a full-page afterword written by a child development professional with information on human sibling relationships. While each of the three distinct sections offers valuable content, the book tries to serve too many audiences. The tone of the story that is perfect for the preschool set isn't likely to draw in the older elementary students who are best suited for the factual section. And while well-intentioned, the child-rearing guidance offered to parents is extraneous.