It’s rare to find kids who never think their siblings are pesky. It’s a heartening part of our work with hundreds of kids to see those pesky siblings growing into lifelong friends. The books included here highlight the humor in the bumps often found along the way. Better yet, these books are often part of a series. They’re also often just plain fun to read. I know they had me and my kids laughing!
Beezus and Ramona
I have to admit, Beezus and Ramona is a firm favorite in my family. There are wide agespans between my kids, so I’ve read this book to each child when a new sibling reaches the age where they express their personality and preferences. Beverly Cleary left us all laughing each time. She also left us with a new perspective on that pesky behavior. Beezus is nine and Ramona is four in this first book in the series. Beezus considers Ramona to be her biggest problem, while the reader can see that Ramona is just trying to live her best life. It all comes together in a funny story that never grows old.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Peter is in fourth grade. His little brother, Farley Drexel Hatcher, aka Fudge, is turning three. Adults think Fudge is adorable, while Peter is certain Fudge is his biggest problem. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is part of a series of Fudge books by Judy Blume. In this first book, we meet Peter and Fudge, watch as Fudge puts stickers on their father’s boss’ luggage, knocks out his two front teeth, and generally pushes the limits in all possible ways. Peter shares it all with us, including the times he gets in and out of trouble because of Fudge. This is a must-read for anyone with a rambunctious, aka pesky, younger sibling!
Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide
New house. Strange happenings. Only your siblings to turn to. Sounds about right. The Field Guide is the first book in the series. It tells the story of Mallory Grace and her younger twin brothers, Simon and Jared, as they discover a world filled with fairies after they move into The Spiderwick Estate. There is a healthy amount of sibling hijinks and teasing along with terrific adventures. The Grace siblings are fun to read about because they easily put aside their differences to help each other out – no matter which of them got them into the jam in the first place.
The Lapsnatcher
The Lapsnatcher would have won my heart even if I hadn’t been a huge Bruce Coville fan since my oldest son read Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher. This book is currently out of print, but it would be worth finding a copy from a used book vendor. It tells the story of Jacob, a little boy who is excited to have a new sister. At least he was excited before he sees that she gets many things he wasn’t interested in sharing – including his mom’s lap. When he talks to an adult who tells Jacob about his own lapsnatching days, it helps. A lot.