I wished fervently for a sister when I was little, but alas, I only had brothers. Between my brothers and all their friends, it was a real Boysland at my house. So it’s probably not surprising that I love a good story about sisterhood. I also love uniquely illustrated children’s books, and these three sister stories are excellent examples of the breadth of illustrative style in the short stacks these days.
The Yin-Yang Sisters and the Dragon Frightful
This picture book caught my eye because I live with a maniacal dragon lover. Every page is illustrated with incredible detail, and gorgeous color. You can’t help but ooh and aah over the landscapes and the changing perspectives. In the story, twin sisters make the most of their differences to appease a dragon who threatens their town. Together, they save the future of their home, because together is the only way it can be done.
This beginner graphic novel is so sweet and tender! A big sister shows her little sister how to enjoy a rainy Saturday. By the end, a lovely tired-but-happy feeling is evident in the sisters, and you can feel it as the reader. Big Wet Balloon is great to read with little ones, and linger together over each beautiful page. If you like it, be sure to check out all the Toon Books in our catalog.
I would recommend any graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier, but for this theme of course, it’s got to be Sisters. The joy and pain of sisterhood is so clear in this story, as told by someone who knows. Telgemeier doesn’t sugarcoat, and she doesn’t add unnecessary drama. She just tells the truth, which is harder to do than it may seem.
-Amy B.
