HELLO TWINS

Move over Dick and Jane: “Here are the twins / This is Charlotte. / This is Simon. / They’re not like each other at all.” While Charlotte likes stacking blocks, Simon prefers making them fall, and though they both love books, Simon likes looking at the pictures, while Charlotte prefers to color in her own. The original playful, bordering on mischievous Charlotte and Simon are none other than author Voake and her twin brother, who often surprised people expecting them to be nearly identical. A photograph of the duo precedes the story, which shows young readers that twins’ similarities often end with their appearance. It also serves as an excellent compare-and-contrast tool for children and their siblings (twins or not). The simple text, set in an oversized type, is complemented by illustrations outlined in bold strokes and filled in with soft, expressive watercolors, creating an enjoyable storytime experience. (Picture book. 2-5)