Big Brother, Little Brother
on Goodreads (57)
What’s inside...
A perfect picture book about sharing and caring for very young siblings. When Little Brother is unhappy, Big Brother always knows why and makes everything okay. But when Little Brother takes Big Brother's favorite toy, Big Brother begins to cry. Perhaps this time, Little Brother can find a way to make him feel better. With spare language and warm illustrations, Penny Dale captures the unspoken bond that exists between even very young siblings.
Age
2-7
Length
25 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the big brother feels about having a little brother?
What are some ways the brothers show they care for each other in the story?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone smaller or younger than you? What did you do?
Why is it important to share our things and our time with others?
How would you solve a disagreement between two siblings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Kickstart the conversation by sharing an anecdote from your own life about siblings or close friends to make the themes more relatable.
Allow your child to express their feelings openly and validate them, whether they are positive or negative.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the story to deepen their connection with the book.
Use examples from the book to teach lessons about sharing, compassion, and understanding in everyday situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Sharing
Explanation: The story illustrates how the older brother learns to understand and share his toys with his younger sibling.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their belongings and understanding the feelings of their siblings or peers in real life.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The older brother takes on the role of a caregiver and protector for his little brother, showcasing the importance of responsibility.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be responsible for younger siblings or pets, encouraging a sense of duty and care.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and Adaptability
Explanation: The older sibling learns to accept the presence of the little brother and adapts by including him in activities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept new family members or classmates, and adapt by including them in their games and activities.
Example Lesson: Inclusive Play
Explanation: The story highlights how playing together can bridge age gaps between siblings.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to include others in their play, regardless of age or abilities, fostering a inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: The book shows how siblings resolve minor conflicts during their play, teaching a peaceful way to solve disagreements.
Real-World Application: Children can practice resolving disputes with friends or siblings calmly and thoughtfully, mirroring the behaviors of the characters.