Oh, Brother

by Arthur Yorinks, Richard Egielski (Illustrator)

"Milton and Morris, twins from England, survive shipwreck, squalor and sibling rivalry to become members of the court of Her Royal Majesty...Charmingly funny and original."-The New York Times.

"Thoroughly enjoyable."-Starred/School Library Journal

Genres: Picture Books, British Literature

40 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1989

About the author

Arthur Yorinks is a playwright, director, and author of more than thirty-five picture books for children, including the Caldecott Medal–winning Hey, Al, illustrated by Richard Egielski. His most recent picture book is Presto and Zesto in Limboland, illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Arthur Yorinks lives in Cambridge, New York.

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story began with a backstory on two little boys, Milton and Morris. They were twins from England who had been orphaned after their parents apparently went down in the sinking of the Titanic. The boys had been rescued by America and were sent to live in an orphanage. This was a rough time for the boys and they rebelled, one night escaping the "Rotten's Home for Lost Boys."
Next they joined the circus, first washing elephants and then promoted to trapeze artists. Unfortunately, the boys couldn't quit arguing and were fired. The boys once again spent time on the streets, this time selling apples and singing. Neither worked out well for the boys. Being tired and hungry, the boys tried pick-pocketing. One unsuspecting man proved to be a harder target when the boys got caught in his suspenders. The man's name was Nathan and he decided to give the boys a proper home. Now Nathan was a tailor and the boys were to work in his shop. Sadly, Nathan's heart gave out one day and the boys lost the only person who really cared for them. They could see that now, after his passing, that he truly loved them like his own. But what would they do?
The boys disguised themselves as little old men and went back to work in the tailor's shop. Famous people came to get suits, from the Rockefellers, Fred Astaire, even the Guggenheim's! It was with this last client that the boys were asked to join them on a trip to England to see the Queen. Once there, the boys were introduced to the royal family. The problem began when the nanny to the Prince of Wales suspected they were impostors. She tore away their fake beards, only to find out the boys were her children! The parents had been brought back to England and the children to America. The Queen knighted the boys as Master Tailors to the Prince of Wales as a token.

When my librarian gave me this book as a historical fiction piece, I saw the cover and agreed. However, after reading it, I am left with my questions. Did this, could this really happen? My obvious initial gut reaction says no. Are some parts possible? Yes. It was a fun book with illustrations that assisted the text in telling the story. It wasn't my favorite, but it was still a neat book.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twin brothers manage to survive a sinking ship only to become orphans in New York City. They are constantly fighting and often run away from orphanages. In their adventures they come across a kindly old tailor, who not only takes them in to his own house, but teaches them his trade as well. When the old man dies, the brother keep the shop going and their work is admired far and wide. They eventually head back to England because of their craftsmanship where they discover they are not orphans after all - their parents survived the sinking ship as well.

Very nice illustrations.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the illustrations but I wanted to smack these boys upside the head. What pests. But they are orphans so should feel sorry for them RIGHT? I was also sort of hoping it might be a true story but it couldn't be. It is humorous and a little silly and just okay! Not destined to be a classic! I liked it enough to finish it, but not one I will read again!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should give up. Nothing that Yorinks and/or Egielski has measured up to Hey, Al. And reading these others has almost tainted my fondness & admiration for that. That's a five star book: read it and no others.

[jenna Hudrlik · Rating 3 out of 5]

i really like the illustrations

[Maeghan Nutmeg Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not entirely believable, but that's not a real complaint, is it?