BROTHERS AND SISTERS

Biological and chosen siblings are celebrated in this Spanish import translated by Brokenbrow.

Siblings from various types of families are presented in this affecting picture book. Day-in-the-life moments like fighting over toys and trying to get homework done are juxtaposed with hints of fantasy. A pair of siblings sits in a whimsical treehouse against a pink-and-purple sunset, followed by a scene of two sisters engaged in spirited dress-up play. The soft shading of Wimmer’s artwork creates a calming effect, though some spreads depict many characters, are full of motion, and use bright colors. The simple prose meditates on the special bond siblings share and also acknowledges sobering truths: “At the end of the day, what matters is how you feel, because we’re all brothers and sisters, even though sometimes we don’t agree,” and “although the years may go by and take us along different paths, I'll always be just an embrace away.” There is no plot, but children will be drawn to the friendly color palette and ever changing action. Lack of names and information about how members of the ensemble cast are biologically or legally related can be seen as wins for non-normative families and families living in community. Characters have varied skin tones; one child uses a wheelchair; and a father figure is shown cooking. Body type, however, lacks diversity, and digital technology is absent, making the book feel both timeless and vintage despite its modern messaging. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A gentle, playful celebration of sibling relationships.