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Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems
Emma is Jess's little sister . . . and her dilemma. How can one small girl be sweet, funny, imaginative, playful, and affectionate as well as a clinging vine, brat, tattletale, and nuisance–all at the same time? Why is Jess supposed to be a good big sister while Emma doesn't have to be a good little sister? The highlights and low points of this sibling relationship are insightfully evoked in short and simple poems, some funny, some touching, and all resonant with emotional truth. Every child with a younger sibling will recognize Jess's dilemma and the combination of ambivalence and deep loyalty that is built into the sibling relationship. Nancy Carpenter's graceful illustrations perceptively complement Kristine O'Connell George's agile poems.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published February 22, 2011
About the author
Kristine O'Connell George
17 books24 followersKristine O'Connell George is one of the principal voices in contemporary children's poetry. Since her first highly-acclaimed book, The Great Frog Race was published in 1997, Kristine O'Connell George's poetry has generated excitement and earned honors and praise. Awards for her books include the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, International Reading Association / Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award, the Golden Kite, Myra Cohn Livingston Poetry Awards, Claudia Lewis Poetry Awards, ALA notables, NCTE notables, School Library Journal Best Books, Hornbook Fanfare, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award, and IRA-CBC Children's Choice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
July 17, 2019
Welp, being the big sister to an Emma, this made me cry like a baby. Very sweet little poems about the joys and struggles of being someone's big sister.
January 23, 2012
This rang very true for me, being a big sister. I'm just glad I never had to get a lock for my door to keep my sister out (it would have been extra tricky since we shared a room) :)
August 30, 2011
Uses poems to express the emotions of an older sister, both good and bad, towards her younger sister so very well.
May 7, 2011
This is a sweet book of poems about a couple of sisters, from the perspective of the big sister. While our girls are a lot closer in age than the two depicted in this book, we saw a lot of common themes between the book and our life. The sibling rivalry, the love, the jealousy, the support, the annoyance, and the adoration all came through loud and clear and resonated within us. We loved the poem about the older sister's field trip to the Natural History museum, as we were about to go on the same kind of field trip with our oldest. And while the school rules prohibited purchasing souvenirs, she told her little sister that she would buy her a present, if she could. The touching gesture made my heart melt a little. Almost all of the poems in this book were like that, with an emotion or experience that we could relate to.
We borrowed this book because it was highlighted as a good book for National Poetry Month. We didn't actually read it in April, but I suppose the thought counts. The poems do not rhyme and might not appeal to a younger child, but the way they are strung together, like a story, makes them feel more familiar and comfortable. We really enjoyed reading this book together. And although I expected that our youngest would ask to only read a couple of poems at a time (she's not always a fan of poetry), both of our girls loved them and we read the whole book all at one reading.
We borrowed this book because it was highlighted as a good book for National Poetry Month. We didn't actually read it in April, but I suppose the thought counts. The poems do not rhyme and might not appeal to a younger child, but the way they are strung together, like a story, makes them feel more familiar and comfortable. We really enjoyed reading this book together. And although I expected that our youngest would ask to only read a couple of poems at a time (she's not always a fan of poetry), both of our girls loved them and we read the whole book all at one reading.
September 14, 2011
This could almost have been a short story in verse, as the poems were all narrated from the point of view of Jess, big sister to Emma, who can be a challenge to live with. The relationship issues between the two sisters are very realistically portrayed, presenting both the good and not-so-good things, and the times when Jess likes Emma, and times when she's upset with her. Having a younger sister myself, I could relate. Though the parents remain on the periphery of events most of the time, they do seem to be understanding and trying to guide both girls towards good behavior. Nancy Carpenter's illustrations were realistic and colorful, creating a perfect backdrop to the text. I've always liked Kristine O'Connell George's poetry, and this collection is yet another winner. Recommended!
March 17, 2011
I picked this up because of the subtitle and because I recognized the illustrations of Nancy Carpenter, first made known to me in 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore. These poems and pictures do a good job of highlighting the ups and downs of the sister relationship of two young girls. There is a picture of a character in tears, which is always what undoes me, though you could have guessed I'd cry over a sister book anyway. The illustration on the back is my favorite. Sniff, sob.
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June 21, 2012This book most likely appeals to grades first through third. It definitely appeals to big sisters mostly because it is a book of poems through a big sister's point of view. Although I think it could also appeal to little sisters. I chose this book because I am a big sister and I thought this was a very different perspective on nonfiction. Typically I think of nonfiction being a book about facts or history, instead this is a book about a past event that had happened to the author. I enjoyed this book also because it was a story but told through different poems. This book was on the School Library Journal best nonfiction 2011 list.
March 1, 2011
Presented in verses with fun titles like "Stuff Grownups Say" and "Dracula" the reader gets a glimpse of the big sister/little sister relationship between Jessica and Emma in this book showing the ups and downs of sisterhood--and all brilliantly shared through poems. While not a candidate for storytime, this is a fun title to recommend to a family with sisters who share some of these very typical sibling characteristics. My preschool/early elementary daughters loved it and definitely related to the stories shared within the book.
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June 21, 2012Audience: This book will probably appeal more to girls, because it is about two sisters. Older siblings will probably find this book more relate-able. Good for readers with short attention spans, as the stories are told through poems.
Appeal: The ups and downs of being a big sister is told through poems. Some are heartfelt and more serious while others are funny. The illustrations are playful and fun and the ideas in the book can be felt on some level with any older sibling relationship.
School library journal best nonfiction 2011 list
Appeal: The ups and downs of being a big sister is told through poems. Some are heartfelt and more serious while others are funny. The illustrations are playful and fun and the ideas in the book can be felt on some level with any older sibling relationship.
School library journal best nonfiction 2011 list
February 10, 2019
Jess has a younger sister, Emma, who is a big dilemma. All the fuss and touching stories with Emma are evoked in the form of poetry from the perspectives of Jess.
I really enjoyed very authentic and touching stories that describe relationships and roles of being a big sister. The form of poetic verses creates an emotional mood of the series of events that come along with being an older sister. The poem of Stuff Grownups Say especially resonated with me for a while because my elder sister also told me that once. She said that she was sick of people saying that she was a very good big sister because it framed her thoughts and behaviors as a “good” sister. In contrast, I as the younger sister was free from the comment that you are "a very good little sister” because not many people said that to me. The poems were not only about complaints to be a big sister but also about good memories with her younger sister. The illustrations also portrayed the situations of the poems well which would help readers imagine the contexts.
I really enjoyed very authentic and touching stories that describe relationships and roles of being a big sister. The form of poetic verses creates an emotional mood of the series of events that come along with being an older sister. The poem of Stuff Grownups Say especially resonated with me for a while because my elder sister also told me that once. She said that she was sick of people saying that she was a very good big sister because it framed her thoughts and behaviors as a “good” sister. In contrast, I as the younger sister was free from the comment that you are "a very good little sister” because not many people said that to me. The poems were not only about complaints to be a big sister but also about good memories with her younger sister. The illustrations also portrayed the situations of the poems well which would help readers imagine the contexts.
June 24, 2019
Received the Claudia Lewis Award for Younger Readers (2012), an older sister's (4th grade) perspective on having a younger sister (preschool). The theme of this collection is family, more specifically sibling relationships and covers a range of emotions from funny, to irritating, to touching. The poems are short and the illustrations are engaging- really appropriate for 1st or 2nd grade readers. Older siblings could relate to themes of the book and use the poems as a model for expressing themselves in the same way. While the perspective seems specific, the ideas of exploring emotions and relationships through poetry is accesible.
April 22, 2019
This is a great children's book for young readers. It tells us about a sibling dynamic of two sister's, Jess and Emma. Emma is the younger sister of Jess, and is told through the perspective of Jess and her struggle to be a good big sister to Emma. The author tells this story through poems, which is a good way for children to learn the different writing forms. I would suggest this book for young readers.
October 29, 2019
I actually enjoyed this book very much. I feel that this book is an excellent choice for reading material for students grades K-3 because it can help to introduce them to poetry at a young age. I also feel that this book is a great choice because the illustrations are great and the concept of a sibling is something familiar to many students.
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April 19, 2020This book is a poetry based picture book for young elementary grades for students about six to nine years old. It's a silly comical read that can have young students thinking about the function of poetry. It can also be relate-able to students with younger siblings, especially those with sister relationships.
October 8, 2018
This book of poems would be great for 2nd or 3rd graders. I thought that the style of poetry was unique because it was small snippets of her life with her younger sister, but they went in chronological order like one story.
May 12, 2018
recommend for older siblings - shows the many ways Jess loves her pesky little sister. Great illustrations, poem form, not rhyming.
July 29, 2018
A good read about sisterhood but too meandering for a group Storytime.
November 3, 2018
Nothing about this book felt like poetry to me. But I really enjoyed the sweet story, realistic sibling interactions, and cute illustrations.
June 27, 2021
As suggested in Excellent Books for Early and Eager Readers
November 19, 2012
Emma Dilemma is one of those books of poetry that reminds you of what it is like to be a big sister … even if you never were one. The work features 34 chronologically-arranged poems detailing the relationship of Jessica and her little sister, Emma. From embarrassment at soccer games and the grocery store, to bedroom destruction and invasion, to bonding over tragedy, this touching book of poems contains a little bit of everything, encapsulating the special relationship that only happens between sisters.
From the moment you read the first poem in the book, “Soccer Game,” you are thrown in older sister Jessica’s shoes. The tension mounts as the poem continues – we go from learning that not only are Jessica’s friends laughing at her, but that they are laughing at her because a little kid who is outrageously dressed is yelling Jessica’s name from the bleachers. The author inserts wit and sarcasm so effectively at the end of the poem, as she does throughout the book, when Jessica states that she has never seen that kid ever before in her entire life. What continues is a series of poems about all the little moments that Jessica and Emma share – some embarrassing, some infuriating, some funny, some touching, some tender, some sad – all of which author, George captures so perfectly. The book carries a theme of big sister exasperation with a layer of admiration and love concealed underneath. Even when Emma is at her most frustrating, on the next page she demonstrates just how lovable she can be. The author handles Jessica’s emotions towards her sister expertly – her poems would be totally relatable to any child with siblings.
The author uses free verse in her poems, which works effectively to communicate the poems as Jessica’s thoughts and emotions. To emphasize certain feelings, the author places verses on lines of their own to give them prominence and punch. The illustrations are expertly done capturing the emotions and actions of the girls with exquisite detail, adding to the subject and mood of the poems. This high-quality book of poetry is an essential purchase for all libraries, as it captures sisterly relationships so true-to-life.
From the moment you read the first poem in the book, “Soccer Game,” you are thrown in older sister Jessica’s shoes. The tension mounts as the poem continues – we go from learning that not only are Jessica’s friends laughing at her, but that they are laughing at her because a little kid who is outrageously dressed is yelling Jessica’s name from the bleachers. The author inserts wit and sarcasm so effectively at the end of the poem, as she does throughout the book, when Jessica states that she has never seen that kid ever before in her entire life. What continues is a series of poems about all the little moments that Jessica and Emma share – some embarrassing, some infuriating, some funny, some touching, some tender, some sad – all of which author, George captures so perfectly. The book carries a theme of big sister exasperation with a layer of admiration and love concealed underneath. Even when Emma is at her most frustrating, on the next page she demonstrates just how lovable she can be. The author handles Jessica’s emotions towards her sister expertly – her poems would be totally relatable to any child with siblings.
The author uses free verse in her poems, which works effectively to communicate the poems as Jessica’s thoughts and emotions. To emphasize certain feelings, the author places verses on lines of their own to give them prominence and punch. The illustrations are expertly done capturing the emotions and actions of the girls with exquisite detail, adding to the subject and mood of the poems. This high-quality book of poetry is an essential purchase for all libraries, as it captures sisterly relationships so true-to-life.
July 18, 2013
Audience: primary
Genre: poetry
SLJ Best Books of 2011
Twin text pair: The Ramona Series by Beverly Cleary
Emma is Jessica's little sister...and her dilemma. On one hand, this little girl can be sweet, funny, imaginative, playful, and loving. On the other hand she is a clingy brat, tattletale, and a nuisance! Why is Jess supposed to be a good big sister when Emma doesn't have to be a good little sister? There are 34 chronologically-arranged poems detailing the embarrassing, infuriating, funny, sad, touching and tender parts to their relationship. From embarrassment at soccer games and the grocery store, to bedroom destruction and invasion, to bonding over a scary tragedy, this heart-warming book of poems contains a little bit of everything.
The connection between these two texts is family based. In Emma Dilemma, Emma is the younger sister and Jessica is the older sister. In the Ramona series, Ramona is the younger sister and Beezus (Beatrice) is the older sister. One of the “tragedy” connections is Emma tries to climb up into the tree house and falls and breaks her arm while in the Ramona series, the pet cat, Picky Picky, dies of old age. Both of these events lead the older sisters to a more mature role. Both younger girls are creative and have active imaginations. In the Ramona series, Ramona and her father create an entire crayon drawn wall mural. In Emma, she takes yarn around her sister's room to create a spider web. Both younger sisters love to play dress up and in the early parts of the Ramona series, the younger sisters are alike in the use "little kid language." In the classroom, I would use a Venn Diagram to compare the 2 “sister” texts. We could do either or both sets of sisters comparing characteristics or actions. This subject would also lead to many text to self connections as most girls can discuss either being an older sister or younger sister and describe various experiences.
Genre: poetry
SLJ Best Books of 2011
Twin text pair: The Ramona Series by Beverly Cleary
Emma is Jessica's little sister...and her dilemma. On one hand, this little girl can be sweet, funny, imaginative, playful, and loving. On the other hand she is a clingy brat, tattletale, and a nuisance! Why is Jess supposed to be a good big sister when Emma doesn't have to be a good little sister? There are 34 chronologically-arranged poems detailing the embarrassing, infuriating, funny, sad, touching and tender parts to their relationship. From embarrassment at soccer games and the grocery store, to bedroom destruction and invasion, to bonding over a scary tragedy, this heart-warming book of poems contains a little bit of everything.
The connection between these two texts is family based. In Emma Dilemma, Emma is the younger sister and Jessica is the older sister. In the Ramona series, Ramona is the younger sister and Beezus (Beatrice) is the older sister. One of the “tragedy” connections is Emma tries to climb up into the tree house and falls and breaks her arm while in the Ramona series, the pet cat, Picky Picky, dies of old age. Both of these events lead the older sisters to a more mature role. Both younger girls are creative and have active imaginations. In the Ramona series, Ramona and her father create an entire crayon drawn wall mural. In Emma, she takes yarn around her sister's room to create a spider web. Both younger sisters love to play dress up and in the early parts of the Ramona series, the younger sisters are alike in the use "little kid language." In the classroom, I would use a Venn Diagram to compare the 2 “sister” texts. We could do either or both sets of sisters comparing characteristics or actions. This subject would also lead to many text to self connections as most girls can discuss either being an older sister or younger sister and describe various experiences.
July 18, 2013
Audience: Juvenile, ages 6-9 years
Genre: Non-Fiction, Poems
Format: Picture Book
Non-Fiction: Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems shares the frustrations and joys of being a big sister. The poems are written in a creative way that show and help the reader understand the view point of an older sibling. Through out the book the older sibling shares her struggles with her younger sister but towards the end you see how much she really does love her and how much she cares for her.
Twin Text, Fiction E-Book downloaded from Amazon.com:
, Lost and Alone
When two cubs lose their mother the story shows how they each look out for each other, the playful times together and the love they have for each other by their actions.
Extension and Connections:
Both books showcase the relationship between siblings and the love they have for each other after facing a tough situation. In Emma Dilemma, the younger sibling falls from a tree and breaks her arm. The older sibling feels horrible and really does show regret, care and compassion for her younger sister, Emma. In Cougar Cub Tales the siblings get in a disagreement and decided to part ways. They both soon realize how much they miss each other and begin looking for each other. When they are reunited they are happy to be together again.
These books could lend themselves to a great talk about families. Students could create a Venn Diagram comparing both books, and discuss the similarities of each book and compare their own family relates to the characters in the books.
Genre: Non-Fiction, Poems
Format: Picture Book
Non-Fiction: Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems shares the frustrations and joys of being a big sister. The poems are written in a creative way that show and help the reader understand the view point of an older sibling. Through out the book the older sibling shares her struggles with her younger sister but towards the end you see how much she really does love her and how much she cares for her.
Twin Text, Fiction E-Book downloaded from Amazon.com:
, Lost and Alone When two cubs lose their mother the story shows how they each look out for each other, the playful times together and the love they have for each other by their actions.
Extension and Connections:
Both books showcase the relationship between siblings and the love they have for each other after facing a tough situation. In Emma Dilemma, the younger sibling falls from a tree and breaks her arm. The older sibling feels horrible and really does show regret, care and compassion for her younger sister, Emma. In Cougar Cub Tales the siblings get in a disagreement and decided to part ways. They both soon realize how much they miss each other and begin looking for each other. When they are reunited they are happy to be together again.
These books could lend themselves to a great talk about families. Students could create a Venn Diagram comparing both books, and discuss the similarities of each book and compare their own family relates to the characters in the books.
July 28, 2011
Told from the point of view of the older sister, these poems show the intricacies of relationships between sisters. Emma can be a very embarrassing little sister, especially at ball games where she is the one dressed in a feather boa and cheering loudly using Jessica’s name. Emma copies everything Jessica does, but her hand also fits perfectly in Jessica’s when they hold hands. Jessica is often the only one who understands what Emma is saying. Emma can be naughty, stealing shoes, scaring people, filling Jessica’s room with loops of yarn. But there are also the moments when the sisters connect over pet rocks, picture books, and jokes. The climax of the story comes when Emma tries to reach Jessica and one of her friends when they are in a treehouse. Emma falls and breaks her arm, and there is no doubt these sisters adore one another.
George captures the ins and outs of siblings with a skilled eye. The book shows the complexity of the relationship, both the good and the bad, often right alongside each other. Neither sister is the good or bad one, they are simply themselves. The book’s tone is just right as well, never too dramatic or over the top. Instead these are moments from what feel like real days, captured in poetry. The touches of humor add to the appeal of the book as well.
Carpenter’s illustrations exude a warmth that works so well here. Done in pen and ink and digital media, they retain their hand-drawn style with the bright washes of digital ink. Each illustration is a picture of the lives of the characters, they reveal the emotions going on in that moment with a great clarity.
Highly recommended, this is a book of poems that any child with siblings will see themselves in and enjoy. Appropriate for ages 6-8.
George captures the ins and outs of siblings with a skilled eye. The book shows the complexity of the relationship, both the good and the bad, often right alongside each other. Neither sister is the good or bad one, they are simply themselves. The book’s tone is just right as well, never too dramatic or over the top. Instead these are moments from what feel like real days, captured in poetry. The touches of humor add to the appeal of the book as well.
Carpenter’s illustrations exude a warmth that works so well here. Done in pen and ink and digital media, they retain their hand-drawn style with the bright washes of digital ink. Each illustration is a picture of the lives of the characters, they reveal the emotions going on in that moment with a great clarity.
Highly recommended, this is a book of poems that any child with siblings will see themselves in and enjoy. Appropriate for ages 6-8.
May 12, 2015
Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Problems
by Kristine O' Connell George
(Poetry #2)
Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems is a book of short poems that all have to deal with how it feels to be the older sibling in life. In this book of poems Jessica is the big sister of Emma. Emma seems to be the little sister that gets into everything. Emma wants to be just like Jessica and Jessica gets very annoyed by her little sister. Emma constantly tries to play with Jessica and her friends and is always in Jessica's room getting into her clothes and making a mess. In different poems throughout the story we see the ups and downs Jessica faces with having Emma has her little sister but at the end of the story the reader finds out just how much Jessica really loves her when Emma ends up breaking her arm when she falls out of a chair because she can't get up to the tree house where Jessica and her friend are playing. Jessica then has to deal with Emma going to the hospital and getting a cast on her arm. Jessica tells her parents it was her fault and she feels terrible. In the end Emma still wants her big sister to be the first to sign her cast and Jessica writes on it "I love you Emma, You are my Emma Dilemma." This ending to the book of poems shows the message that no matter what happens you always love and care about your siblings. I felt this book showed a great example of sibling relationships through the use of story telling through poems. I recommend this book to everyone!
by Kristine O' Connell George
(Poetry #2)
Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems is a book of short poems that all have to deal with how it feels to be the older sibling in life. In this book of poems Jessica is the big sister of Emma. Emma seems to be the little sister that gets into everything. Emma wants to be just like Jessica and Jessica gets very annoyed by her little sister. Emma constantly tries to play with Jessica and her friends and is always in Jessica's room getting into her clothes and making a mess. In different poems throughout the story we see the ups and downs Jessica faces with having Emma has her little sister but at the end of the story the reader finds out just how much Jessica really loves her when Emma ends up breaking her arm when she falls out of a chair because she can't get up to the tree house where Jessica and her friend are playing. Jessica then has to deal with Emma going to the hospital and getting a cast on her arm. Jessica tells her parents it was her fault and she feels terrible. In the end Emma still wants her big sister to be the first to sign her cast and Jessica writes on it "I love you Emma, You are my Emma Dilemma." This ending to the book of poems shows the message that no matter what happens you always love and care about your siblings. I felt this book showed a great example of sibling relationships through the use of story telling through poems. I recommend this book to everyone!
April 28, 2012
Oh my goodness. That was so cute and sweet. If I weren't on the reference desk, I would be crying. Seriously, I had to hold in the tears. Wow. These poems were perfect length--for me and for lots of kids! Having a sister, I can understand much of the sentiment. Of course, I am the younger sister to the only other girl in our family. And we, like Jessica and Emma, are the same age gap. I don't know or remember all of the annoying/careless/mean/ignorant/unrealized things I did, but I'm pretty sure I was SUCH a pain for my sister. I can't remember my sister ever being mean or annoyed with me, though she must have been at some time! But I do remember the times my sister was patient with me, played with me, made me laugh, ALWAYS apologized first (usually when she was never at fault), and so much more. She truly is the best big sister ever and there is no bond on this earth that I have like the one I have with her.
She was my example when I finally became a big sister. I failed so many times they can't be counted! But I know Jessica's side, and how much I love my little brother--years younger. How much he could get on my nerves and just didn't GET it! But oh, I love that boy. Even if we're all adults now, I still hope every day to try and be as good a big sister to him as my sister has always been for me.
A fabulous choice for Beehive nominee.
She was my example when I finally became a big sister. I failed so many times they can't be counted! But I know Jessica's side, and how much I love my little brother--years younger. How much he could get on my nerves and just didn't GET it! But oh, I love that boy. Even if we're all adults now, I still hope every day to try and be as good a big sister to him as my sister has always been for me.
A fabulous choice for Beehive nominee.
June 30, 2015
My older daughter received this as a gift from a thoughtful mom at my younger daughter's baby shower. At the time, they were 8 years old and 3 months old. I was so appreciative that my friend thought of her! But to be honest, I never got around to reading the book... until this past month. My younger daughter is now almost 3, and I'm 100% sure I appreciate this book now much more than I would have appreciated it had I read it back then, before my daughters had almost 3 years of experiences together. The book truly captures the feelings my older daughter experiences with her little "dilemma" sister around - not only the annoyance and unfairness, but also the love and connection and genuine care. I grew up without siblings and am learning by watching my two girls that sibling relationships really are a jumbled combination of all of these feelings. I've now read it a couple of dozen times (currently a favorite bedtime story for my younger daughter), and I STILL tear up at the end. If you have two girls (or even an older girl and younger boy or girl), I HIGHLY recommend this book - not only for your older child to feel validated, but for you to understand what they're experiencing better. :-) On top of all of that, the poetic form is beautiful.
November 28, 2011
Jessica, a fourth-grader, describes her relationship with her little sister Emma in a series of heart-warming poems. Emma gets into Jessica’s stuff, begs Jessica to read her stories, celebrates her fourth birthday and tries to tag along with Jessica and her best friend, with scary results. These poems don’t employ figurative language—they don’t even rhyme. Yet there is a sense of rhythm to each line and set of lines. The daily interactions between the sisters are rendered quickly and succinctly in each little bite of text. The accompanying illustrations stem from pen and ink drawings, with some digital assistance. Thin black ink lines trace the pastel blues, greens, pinks, purples, beiges and yellows creating a euphoric yet true and feminine sense of each situation. Author George really captures the love between sisters and families with carefully crafted lines and Carpenter’s illustrations bring that love to life. A good introduction to more advanced poetry, this picture book is highly recommended for public libraries and elementary school libraries.
October 17, 2011
Anyone who has ever had a little sister or been a little sister will identify with Jessica’s voice in this charming book of verse, and those without siblings can get a good understanding of what it’s like from reading these poems. From the ugly, jealous, angry moments to the funny, precious, loving ones, the realm of emotions that come with having a younger sister is here. The poems are brief and descriptive, and accompanied by Nancy Carpenter’s vibrant watercolors, give readers a real sense of who these two girls are. Wonderful for sharing one-on-one with siblings.
Here's the poem entitled "Snooping":
One good thing about a little sister
is that if I give her a boost
she can reach
that mysterious box
hidden
on the top shelf.
One bad thing about a little sister
is that she can't keep secrets.
When my secrets
are inside Emma,
they leak out slowly,
like air out of a balloon,
or fast --
in one enormous
Tattletale Explosion.
Yep, that's about right.
Here's the poem entitled "Snooping":
One good thing about a little sister
is that if I give her a boost
she can reach
that mysterious box
hidden
on the top shelf.
One bad thing about a little sister
is that she can't keep secrets.
When my secrets
are inside Emma,
they leak out slowly,
like air out of a balloon,
or fast --
in one enormous
Tattletale Explosion.
Yep, that's about right.
February 24, 2012
As much as fourth grader Jessica loves her little sister Emma who is three going on four, she sometimes finds it frustrating to deal with her. After all, Emma refuses to respect Jessica's space, strewing a yarn spider web throughout her room and using Jessica's clothing to play dress up. But there are other treasured moments the sisters share such as when Jessica teaches Emma how to blow the paper from a straw or plays games with her. Still, there are times when even loving big sisters need some time to themselves. With humor and insight, these 34 poems highlight the good and the bad in having to be the responsible older sibling. The author does a wonderful job in capturing the complicated relationship between the two girls. Clearly, much as Emma tries Jessica's patience, she would be lost without her. The pen, ink, and digital media illustrations show the mischief in Emma's eyes and the mingled love and annoyance in Jessica's.
April 14, 2012
This collection of poetry is on the 2012 ALA Children's Notable Book List. It is intended for children ages 5-12(P-I). The poetry in this book depicts the relationship between two sisters from the older sister,Jessica's, point of view.
I enjoyed reading these poems. They don't rhyme or have any rhythm but are full of emotion. I can almost hear the embarassment in Jessica's voice as she describes Emma jumping and screaming in the stands, and the warmth in her voice as she talks about how perfectly their hands fit together. While the author writes from Jessica's point of view, the illustrator does an excellent job of revealing both dynamics of the relationship.I gave this collection 4 stars.
Young readers would enjoy both the text and the illustrations in this book. Sibling rivalry is very common in the intended age group. I might use this book to demonstrate how poetry can be both entertaining and effective without rhyming.
This book is available print.
I enjoyed reading these poems. They don't rhyme or have any rhythm but are full of emotion. I can almost hear the embarassment in Jessica's voice as she describes Emma jumping and screaming in the stands, and the warmth in her voice as she talks about how perfectly their hands fit together. While the author writes from Jessica's point of view, the illustrator does an excellent job of revealing both dynamics of the relationship.I gave this collection 4 stars.
Young readers would enjoy both the text and the illustrations in this book. Sibling rivalry is very common in the intended age group. I might use this book to demonstrate how poetry can be both entertaining and effective without rhyming.
This book is available print.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews