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books on sibling rivalry to help foster close relationships and help children through difficult times and conflict resolution after sibling fights.
You are reading: Books on sibling rivalry
Sibling rivalry can wreak havoc on family time and can foster a strained relationship between groups of siblings. constant fighting or unrelenting competition can be quite taxing on a parent’s nerves.
Yes, there are parenting techniques to deal with sibling rivalry, but sometimes a more subtle approach is also needed. like curling up with books about sibling fights and seeing where the argument takes you.
Using children’s books about sibling jealousy to address sibling rivalry encourages children to think more deeply and independently about relationships, how others feel, and how to manage their emotions.
children’s books about sibling rivalry
the best book about bookworms
In the novel, we observe Violet and Victor’s various personalities, abilities, and talents as well as the shifts from sibling rivalry to cooperation, as identical twins who create a picture book.
When both characters speak out in this beautiful story about the rewards of collaboration (watch the color of the text to determine who’s speaking), Alice Kuipers wrote the best bookworm book of all time. (3-6 years)
when thousands got angry
The Mother Company has published several books to help children develop social and emotional capacities as well as sibling rivalry. I’m eager to read their other works. Kurtzman-Counter and Schiller, When Miles Got Mad (2013). (Age 3 and up)
This is a great book for children with younger siblings to read. Miles is furious when her younger brother accidentally destroys one of her favorite toys. her cheeks flush, her fists clench and she roars at her brother. After her younger brother leaves in tears, Miles sees himself in the mirror.
since miles is no longer himself when he gets angry, his alter ego, the red monster, is there to suggest some ideas that might help him calm down. When Miles begins to express anger at him, the monster shrinks and Miles feels better.
Kids often argue about toys, and this book is sure to strike a chord with many of them. She understands that the broken toy was an accident and asks her brother to help her fix it.
My kids identified with the miles and we had a chance to talk about better ways to communicate when we’re upset or angry at the end of the story. miles is an excellent role model.
maple and willow together
I like this beautifully drawn and expertly written story of sibling rivalry. Maple and Willow are closest friends and sisters.
The narration follows them on their excursions until they have a dispute that results in some harsh words, tears, and eventually forgiveness.
My son made me read this book over and over again. he and his sister are very close, and I think he enjoyed the idea that although the willow and the maple do everything together, they may have the occasional high-profile dispute, but they can always reconcile in the end. maple and willow together is written by lori nichols, 2014 (3+)
kindness grows
Kindness Grows uses poetic, rhyming language to illustrate how painful deeds can cause distance between individuals, but good acts can grow into something lovely. Die-cuts are wonderfully combined to show the expanding fracture caused by upsetting acts, juxtaposed against a beautiful tree emerging from loving activities.
what sets this book apart is how the gorgeous images clearly show children the division that cruelty causes and, conversely, how kindness can bring us together. britta teckentrup (suitable for children from 3 years)
see also: worst children’s books (avoid, avoid, avoid)
I don’t like living with siblings
This novel truly touches home for me because I grew up with an older brother (and currently live in a family where I am significantly outnumbered in terms of gender).
Sure, it’s based on stereotypes (kids come off as dirty and smelly), but the lesson of the narrative is strong: If we look closely, we can find value in everyone.
Would it be nice if you have a girl who has trouble connecting with her brother? daniel baxter wrote i don’t like living with brothers. (3-6 years)
the squirrels that fought
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I’m a big admirer of Rachel Bright’s works, and this one is really good. The rhyming language is simple to read aloud yet rich in content, and the pictures (by Jim Field) are charming and humorous without being cloying.
is a basic story about learning to share that is also hilarious and appropriate for very young children. there will be many discussions about those crazy squirrels! rachel bright is the chipmunks that fight (1-5 years).
I used to be famous
I Used To Be Famous is a brilliant and endearing twist on sibling rivalry stories. A little girl called Kiely takes on the image of a celebrity, riffing on the concept of parents as paparazzi and personal cooks.
However, his stardom seems to be short-lived, as his cute little sister steals the show. Fortunately, Kiely learns that she enjoys her new position as her older sister and is thrilled to have a co-star.
i used to be famous by tara luebbe and becky cattie, illustrated by joanne lew-vriethoff, 2019. (suitable for ages 3 and up)
we found a hat
The pictures are what make this book! It’s a simple story: two turtles discover a hat and must figure out how to share it.
However, the complexity and potential of the images are fascinating, making this a book to stop and discuss rather than read cover to cover.
(the expressions on those turtles’ faces are fun for the adult reader too!) we found a hat by jon klassen is the third book in a trilogy that also includes i want my hat back and this is not my hat. (3-7 years)
That’s my blanket, honey!
Bella was given a lovely new baby blanket after she was born. The blanket follows her everywhere she goes as she develops.
Even though it’s covered in paint and dirt, it’s still his most prized possession. when her new baby brother becomes attached to her blanket, she is forced to make a difficult decision.
Instead of taking her blanket, she involves her brother and her new blanket in her art and clay activities. Soon, the baby’s blanket will be just as dirty and smelly as hers, allowing you each to have your own personal blanket loaded with memories.
bella is a wonderful sister who adores her brother. when she is faced with a dilemma, she comes up with a thoughtful solution that pleases them both.
bella and her brother show how much fun siblings can have together. This is a great option for families with a new baby or kids who have sibling rivalry. (suitable for children from 3 years)
sometimes I’m a Bombaloo
Katie is a big sister who occasionally loses her cool with her younger brother. Especially when he interferes with her belongings.
Sometimes I’m Bombaloo, by Rachel Vail, examines the angry feelings children may have in sibling relationships, as well as strategies for calming down.
It’s wonderfully nonjudgmental, which is ideal for an older brother who has to control his dislike for a younger kid who doesn’t know any better. (3-8 years)
brobarians
Two brothers who were formerly at odds go to fight over a shattered cookie jar. To complete their creative picture of “brobarians,” the hyperactive brothers individually wear household objects. This is a hysterical look at sibling rivalry.
The over-the-top narrative makes this book so much fun to read aloud, which worked really well for me because my son asked me to read it to him every night. brobarians by lindsay ward, 2017. (suitable for ages 4 and up)
zoe’s room (no sisters allowed)
Zoe’s Room by Bethanie Murguia appears to be only available in hardcover, so it’s a bit pricey. However, if sharing a room is a concern, this could be the book for you. Queen Zoe is irritated by having to share her bedroom kingdom with her younger sister.
Things aren’t going well until Zoe realizes the benefits of having her little sister around. There are also follow-up books if Queen Zoe strikes a chord with you. beautiful drawings! (4-7 years)
the dragon was terrible
Dragon Was Terrible by Kelly DiPucchio is not about siblings in particular. However, Dragon’s outlandish behavior is reminiscent of a younger sister (he scribbles in books, burps in church, and steals sweets).
The lesson of history is to look behind someone’s behavior and try to understand why they act the way they do (which is not always obvious). it’s about avoiding knee-jerk responses and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. a wonderful way to start a discussion. it’s also a lot of fun! (4-7 years)
alphonse that’s not right
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Natalie likes spending time with her younger brother, Alphonse, but he may get on her nerves at times. When Natalie is having a particularly bad day, she discovers Alphonse devouring her favorite book.
yells at him and then looks to relax in a bubble bath after creating an image to express his disgust. when she hears a noise outside the door, she suspects that alphonse has been injured. when she goes to see him, she learns that the noise was caused by him trying to repair his book.
they both apologize and celebrate their restored relationship by drawing pictures together at the end. alphonse, daisy hirst’s 2016 novel that’s not right (ages 4 and up)
gone fishing
tamera will wissinger gone fishing is a bit unusual. It is written in poetry and alternates between the opinions of two separate characters: his older brother Sam and his annoying younger sister Lucy.
sam is irritated that lucy has decided to join him on his fishing trip with dad. You could use this book to start conversations about sibling rivalry, poetry, families, or fishing! it’s sweet and hilarious, with wonderful descriptions.
excellent for those who enjoy reading aloud and/or poetry. (4-9 years)
the pain and the big one
The Pain and the Great One by Judy Blume is a must-read for somewhat older children who can’t stop teasing each other and vying for dominance. An 8-year-old girl and her 6-year-old brother take turns describing each other (their nicknames for each other are “the agony” and “the great one”).
Their sibling rivalry unfolds in a fun and very genuine narrative, and this is the first book in a series, so if kids enjoy it, a full box set is available! If that’s not enough, Judy Blume’s Super Fudge has sibling rivalry themes. (6-10 years)
siblings without rivalry: how to help your children live together so you can live too
Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Teach Your Children to Live Together So You Can Live. This team created a reputation for themselves with their first book, How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, and followed it up with this really useful and engaging book.
is packed with techniques you can use right away to help your kids build healthy relationships while reducing conflict and competition.
I really like how they discuss how to be fair without being completely equal. the work of adele faber and elaine mazlish.
Peaceful Parents, Happy Siblings: How to Stop Fighting and Raise Friends for Life
Dr. Markham’s writings all emphasize the emotional link between parents and children, and this book is no exception — she provides practical methods for connecting with many children in order to establish a loving family culture in which conflict amongst siblings is unnecessary.
and the interpersonal skills it teaches will help your child not only as a sister, but also in adult love relationships, at work and school, and ultimately, as a parent.
it’s okay not to share and other reneged rules for raising competent and compassionate children
Of course, you want your child to be kind and sensitive, but when you’re in the trenches, it could be quite tough to figure out what causes that behavior.
shumaker helps you determine what really works to raise children who can get along and take care of others, as well as what “laws” you can ignore. this novel is a breath of fresh air!
Beyond Sibling Rivalry: How to Help Your Kids Be Cooperative, Loving, and Compassionate
I like this books about sibling rivalry because it views sibling rivalry as part of a larger family context, rather than as a separate entity, and provides many suggestions and methods for strengthening all family ties, which naturally leads to less sibling conflict. There are also suggestions for dealing with common sibling difficulties, which is really helpful.
how to prevent and manage sibling rivalry
Another one on the list of books to help siblings get along is the How to Prevent and Manage Sibling Rivalry Among Brothers. Brothers’ relationships have always been complex, with several chances for good or strife.
This book provides suggestions for developing a family team in which siblings work together from infancy, as well as for adults to identify and amend their personal relationships with their siblings in order to produce additional generations of siblings who love and support each other. respect each other. if you have children, this is a book you should read right away.
the lemonade war
With a brother and sister combo who struggle to get along due to their extremely different personalities and skills, this juvenile fiction book launched the immensely famous Lemonade War series.
When they challenge each other to see who can sell the most lemonade, the competition becomes bigger than they bargained for. This is another one of those children’s books about sibling rivalry that teaches valuable lessons in a sweet and cute way.
the most epic children’s books about sibling rivalry
You may be wondering if you need books on sibling rivalry and creating calm between family members and here’s the thing. not all solutions will work for all family dynamics.
Sometimes it’s easier to explain a concept to a child through the power of reading, and you can help your children become best friends through these special moments of reading sibling rivalry books with your child. son. You can read aloud books about siblings who get along or build good reading habits with books on topics that are helpful to your family.
See Also: The Top Six Books Getting Banned by Conservative School Districts
more children’s books
- Worst Children’s Books (Avoid, Avoid, Avoid)
- 18 Books That Teach Perseverance That Kids Love
- 12 Books About Kindness That kids love them
- 15 books and activities to help your child learn from their mistakes