The Trouble with Twins

by Kathryn Siebel

Kate DiCamillo meets Lemony Snicket in this darkly comic novel about two sisters who learn they are each others' most important friend.

Imagine two twin sisters, Arabella and Henrietta—nearly identical yet with nothing in common. They’re the best of friends . . . until one day they aren’t. Plain and quiet Henrietta has a secret plan to settle the score, and she does something outrageous and she can’t take it back.

When the deed is discovered, Henrietta is quickly banished—sent to live with her eccentric great-aunt Priscilla on Chillington Lane, where black cats roam the dark rooms and tonight’s menu is fish-head stew! Suddenly life with pretty, popular Arabella doesn’t seem so awful.

And, though she’s been grievously wronged, Arabella longs for her sister, too. So she hatches a plan of her own and embarks on an unexpected journey to reunite with her other half.

The Trouble with Twins is an adventure and a comedy—a tale of the power of unlikely friendships, the bond between sisters . . . and the way a bit of mischief sometimes sets everything right.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Juvenile, Humor, Family

208 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My nine year old daughter is a huge fan of the Scarlett and Ivy books, so this novel about twins was sure to appeal. It is described as a modern day fairytale and features twin sisters, Henrietta and Arabella. As with all good fairy tales, there is a sad beginning and, in this case, it concerns the separation of the twin sisters. There is Arabella – pretty and popular – while Henrietta is overlooked and a little jealous. When Henrietta does something naughty her parents send her away and she finds herself banished (also in true fairy tale fashion) to live with her aunt.

Arabella later forgives Henrietta and sets out to search for her sister. We follow both sister’s journies and the story is told to the reader as a mother tells the story to her daughter. We are unclear who this narrator is, at first, but I liked the writing style and felt that the little conversations, and questions, between the pair helped explain the story and create a natural break in the flow of text. This has a timeless quality about it and my daughter really enjoyed the novel. This is also published under the title, “The Trouble with Twins,” so be careful you do not buy the same book twice.

[Gardenia L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two twin sisters, Henrietta and Arabella have always been best friends. But, for some unknown reason, Arabella has always been prettier. With her smile, laugh, perfectly combed blond hair, and spotless clothing, everyone seemed to like her more. On the other hand, Henrietta was quiet, serious, had crumbs on her clothes, and her hair was always so messy. And that was where the trouble began...
Arabella always had nice friends and attended nice little birthday parties, while Henrietta stood silently on the playground, nothing to do but watch her sister's friends play. Henrietta begged her sister to stay and finish a 1000 piece puzzle with her, instead of going to Lizzie's birthday party. Henrietta was soon mad at her sister and snapped "Fine! Who needs you?" Arabella snapped back "You're mean. That's why you don't have any friends." And marched off.
Everyday after that, they didn't talk to each other, didn't give or share; both sisters were mad. Henrietta has an idea for revenge on her sister (Can't tell you) and she carries out her plan. The next day, everyone is shocked! They quickly send Henrietta away to live with her aunt, while everyone else gave Arabella all the attention.
Can the sisters get along again? Will they forgive each other? Arabella feels like a cupcake without frosting after Henrietta is gone, and so she sets off to find her...
One small mistake, two big adventures.
It made me feel like I was part of both twins! It made me feel happy, angry, curious, and scared.
I thought The Trouble with Twins was a really good book. It is sort of like Sisters, because the two sisters have to find a way to get along.
If you like books about friendship and adventure, this is the book you want to read!

[EdenB15 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. It’s he first one I have read by the author so I will defo be checking out others. It was short and sweet and had me on edge. It was about. 2 twins one of whom gets sent away after cutting off her sisters hair. Her sister goes missing and tries to find her twin. Would recommend this book

[Papá Lector · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bienvenidos al blog para una reseña y recomendación más, toca el turno de platicarles un poco sobre Cosas de Gemelas de Kathryn Siebel editado por Ediciones Castillo, un libro middle-grade recomendado para jóvenes con una edad lectora de 12+ años, es un libro que sí requiere que el lector tenga ya un camino recorrido en este precioso mundo de la lectura, de entrada cuenta con 260 páginas que lo hacen ya un reto importante para los jóvenes lectores.

En este libro los jóvenes leerán sobre dos hermanas gemelas, Anabella y Enriqueta, que como todas buenas hermanas se quieren mucho y comparten la mayoría de su tiempo juntas, pero que al final de cuentas cada una de ellas y aunque sean gemelas son tan únicas y diferentes entre sí como cualquier otra personas, incluso en su caso terminan siendo hasta polos opuestos en muchas cosas, lo que las lleva a tener una discusión un día en particular en que ambas querían hacer cosas distintas, y es ese precisamente el punto de inicio de esta aventura en donde se separan y que las llevará a redescubrir cuanto se quieren y se preocupan la una por la otra, confirmando que, aunque puedan llegarse a enfadar entre ellas, al final siempre lo más importante es el amor que se tienen.

Durante la historia vamos a leer como participan de esta aventura algunos otros personajes como por ejemplo la tía Priscila quien recibe a Enriqueta cuando las gemelas se separan o el gigante Gus, un personaje muy particular y diferente que acompaña a una de las gemelas, incluso aparece el director de la escuela de las niñas y el jefe de policía de la ciudad donde viven, también tenemos a Inés, uno de mis personajes favoritos porque es bibliotecaria, de hecho parte de la historia se desarrolla en una librería, una maravilla, y obviamente también aparecen el papá y mamá de las gemelas, es esta variedad y riqueza de personajes lo que hace a la historia más diversa e interesante.

Este es un libro que contagia al lector de muchas emociones y sentimientos por la forma en que está narrado, hace que quien lo lee se empatice con ambas gemelas por lo que por momentos logra que te sientas sorprendido, enojado, triste, emocionado y hasta asustado.

Las ilustraciones en blanco y negro de este libro son muy bellas, Júlia Sardà ilustra a la perfección las escenas, sus dibujos consiguen capturar y transmitir lo mismo que el texto ofreciéndole a los jóvenes una experiencia de lectura muy bonita.

El final nos gusto, después de todo tal como lo esperábamos y queríamos, nos da un final feliz, uno que nos hizo sentir que salimos del libro contentos, que leímos sobre una aventura que dejó un aprendizaje a sus protagonistas y a nosotros mismos, el tremendo mensaje sobre lo importante e incondicional que es el apoyo y amor de nuestra familia es precioso, uno que vale la pena compartir con cualquier lector joven que decida tomar este libro entre sus manos.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via work, with no obligation to leave a personal review.

This book took me by surprise--I discovered it out of the blue, having come from darker reads like A Torch Against the Night and Gathering Darkness, wanting something more "me"--light and happy and full of heart. And this was definitely one of those!

I fear that the comparisons used in the publisher copy may come across as hyperbole, but having read it, I see why they're making them. Similar to The Princess Bride, we have a mother telling a story to her daughter. As with Lemony Snicket's novels, the voice is fun, and the language a bit elevated from the everyday, but still eminently accessible. This is a short novel, yet you still get a good feel for the characters, and you're still invested in the several threads the author weaves together. Some of the illustrations were a bit weird to me, and they strike me as a bit more Picasso-esque, whereas I've always been more of a Monet fan, but most of them are quite fun, too.

I flew through this in probably a little over an hour, and I really enjoyed it! It's lovely to see Arabella and Henrietta grow to appreciate and acknowledge each other more, and the journey is fun. It's not super substantial or terribly surprising, but it IS quite funny at times. (I admit that I would have loved a bit more context for why the mother is telling this story to the daughter, though we do get a bit of that towards the end, since that family is apparently related to the librarian, Miss Dewey.) I'm curious to see what else the author writes; this has the feel of an instant, easily readable classic, like Pippi Longstocking or Everything on a Waffle (both of which, admittedly, I read a LONG time ago).

[Melissapalmer404 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #65 Read in 2016
The Trouble with Twins by Kathryn Siebel

This is a cute read, perfect for upper elementary students. Arabella and Henrietta are twins. Arabella is smart and popular. Henrietta is friendless and not as academically gifted. As the two begin to move away from each other, Henrietta, in a jealous fit, cuts Arabella's bangs while she is sleeping. Their parents sent Henrietta to live with Aunt Priscilla, who is a scary lady. Will the sisters ever be brought back together? This would make a great read aloud in elementary classes. I received a copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.

[Charlie Easterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this. It's a nice throwback to older fashioned kid's books with a nice whimsy to the whole story. It's, as most people have pointed out, like a cross between Lemony Snicket and Ms. Pigglewiggle. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Review based on an uncorrected advanced reader's copy I was provided through my work.

[Liz Lorz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This humorous fairy tale for grades 3-6 is a lesson in getting along and getting through bad times caused by bad decisions. It's a perfect book for read-aloud time -- especially for siblings who might not always get along. The accompanying discussions between a mother and her daughter were spot on and hilarious!

[Ashley Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven't read this yet (since it hasn't come out yet!) but I'm super excited. It sounds really good, and, funny thing is, I'll be getting a personally signed copy from the author! Why? Because her brother and wife are good family friends. What a small world :) And congrats to you, Kathryn Siebel!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best MG novels I've read in a long time! I am shocked that this was Siebel's debut book, and cannot wait for more from her.

The Trouble with Twins is one of those books that takes your hand and leads you through the story easily yet lovingly. The characters, even the flawed ones, win you over. The descriptions are simple, yet effective in their simplicity. Even the humor is just right, over and over again I laughed out loud.

The narration style of switching between the story and the storyteller & her daughter was refreshing. It reminded me of The Princess Bride. The flow of the story and its increasing absurdity of the antics of the characters brought to mind Wes Anderson, but the tone was very much that of a Roald Dahl story. So, if you like MGlit, Wes Anderson, The Princess Bride, and Roald Dahl, you should definitely check this out!

The illustrations alone add the perfect tone to the novel. I read the book aloud to my boyfriend, and every single illustrations I showed him made him break into a smile. They are awesome.

I enjoyed the ending! I thought where most everybody ended up was very fitting, and it left me with a warm fuzzy feeling, especially Gus. (Siebel, if you're reading this, I want THAT story told in another book, pretty please!!)

I do have some "I wish"es.
The largest of them is that I wish Mr. and Mrs. Osgood had been more dynamic. They were absolutely awful parents to Henrietta, and only cared about her after they thought they had killed her. They then, miraculously, came about and loved her just as ardently as Arabella. But I wish they had come to this realization through some internal conflict of their own, and not from an outside source that scared them into thinking that way.
Some parts leading up to the ending were very chaotic, and a bit hard to follow for someone listening to the story due to so many voices being present at once, but it all smoothed over quite nicely.

The last thing I would like to say is that I love this book for not backing away from unhappy homes. Henrietta and Arabella do not live in a happy home, Priscilla does not keep a happy home, and Gus certainly has the worst home of the four. But there's hardly any "Oh, it's okay, everything is sunshine and rainbows even though our homes are rocky sometimes"--because the reality of it is that kids who come from broken homes know that it isn't okay. Having characters to show them that they aren't alone is so important, and I appreciate that this book does just that.

I would recommend this to any reader looking for a quirky yet fun tale of adventure and hard truths, or to any child who has trouble at home.

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I don’t know what I was expecting. Definitely not some great novel that I can bring up intellectually at a dinner party. Though I read it because I have twins of my own and I thought it would be a fun read, a peek into the shenanigans my twins may get into.

It wasn’t half bad until the ending. I thought it was a bit wild, unrealistic, and over the top but it was a silly, dark comedy. I did not find the having Gus’ parents end in divorce was great for the book. Yes, a lot of families deal with divorce and it is good for kids to deal with it and find comfort from it through books. But, in this book, it was brushed off as a matter of fact, it’s a good thing, type of situation. I wouldn’t want my children to be so unphased by something that tears families apart. Just didn’t find it necessary, helpful, or needed.

Maybe I would have liked this if I was much younger, but older me, wasn’t impressed, and with that ending, I don’t even think my kids need to read it.

It would have been cute and fun if it just stuck to the surface like the majority of the book did.

[Addison Children's Services · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twin sisters Arabella and Henrietta Osgood are very much alike, but also very different. For some reason, the girls' parents have always liked Arabella more than Henrietta. So has their nanny ... and all the teachers at school ... and all the kids. For the most part Henrietta doesn't mind that everyone prefers Arabella over her, because she has Arabella. But when the girls start to drift apart after an argument one day, Henrietta realizes she's tired of always being in Arabella's shadow. She decides to do something to Arabella that can't be taken back, and once it's discovered, Henrietta quickly finds out how a small misdeed can unleash big changes. Sent to live with a reclusive aunt a couple towns over, Henrietta has no idea how she can make things right. At first Arabella is at a loss of what to do as well, but then comes up with an idea - she's going to rescue Henrietta!

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of two young girls, twins, but nothing alike. One twin, well liked,popular and doted on at home, the other awkward, quiet and disgruntled.

I found that the treatment of the awkward twin was very annoying and I just wanted to slap the author. No one in the household cared about the second daughter which I found very sad. I did not think that the end resolved that issue for the reader.

I did find that the way the book was written, by a mother telling a story to her daughter, was a cute way to tell the story. The author managed to slip in some advise on the treatment of people for youngsters in the form of the daughter's comments during the story telling.

Well done...probably very appealing to adolescent children.

[Susan Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute! Arabella and Henrietta are identical twins, although they have very different personalities. Arabella is much more vivacious and popular and gets all the attention, and Henrietta has always been in her shadow. This resentment finally boils over one day and Henrietta reacts by cutting her sister's bangs off in the middle of the night. Her horrified parents ship her off to eccentric Great Aunt Priscilla's house. Separated for the first time the girls quickly begin to miss one another, and Arabella sets out to find - and rescue - her twin. Irreverent and fun, this story within a story will be a hit with readers in grades 4-6.

[Corene · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay book, probably aimed at older grade schoolers, with an amusing fairy tale quality, and told through the conceit of a mother relating the story to her daughter.

Twin sisters have a fight, and when one cuts the hair of the other she is sent away to live with an elderly and reclusive aunt. The remaining twin then runs away to find her.

Most of the adults are comically inept in the story, and the narrator in the audio edition has great fun portraying everyone in an over the top away. I enjoyed the performance of the book more than the actual story.

[Gamila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I remember reading any chance I’d get and finished it in two days! Amazing book for kids and a really cozy book to curl up and read with. I love how even though the parents try to separate Henrietta and Arabella with their connection it just doesn’t work. I truly believe that the readers will literally go on the journey with the characters. A must read for children, not even kidding. #favchildrennovels #mustread 🤣😝🤩💕😁😁
Lemony Snicket lovers like me, you will not forgive yourself if you don’t read this!

[Nur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story about twin sisters, Arabella and Henrietta, who couldn't be more different. Arabella, the pretty and popular twin, often overshadows the quieter and less appreciated Henrietta. When jealousy and misunderstanding lead to a dramatic rift between them, Henrietta sets out on an unexpected adventure. This tale explores themes of sibling rivalry, identity, and the importance of appreciating one's unique qualities. With a mix of humour and heartfelt moments, the book beautifully captures the ups and downs of sisterhood and the journey to self-acceptance.

[Lisa Mcbroom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always been fascinated with twins. A mother is telling a bedtime story about twins Henrietta and Arabella. Arabella is pretty and popular while Henrietta is quiet and shy. When Arabella insults Henrietta, Henrietta does the unthinkable and cuts Arabellas hair. She is banished to stay with Aunt Priscilla who has a secret past of her own. The book had a timeless feel to it . Actually the style reminded me of my many childhood reads. I adored the quirky style and the facts about twins.

[Cheyann Strauser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am giving this a book 5 stars because it is an amazing book that is about 2 twins that get mad and then the one goes to there aunts. The other runs away to get her sister and runs into some trouble in the process of getting her sister. But they do get back together and everything in the end. But there is a lot of adventure in it and it is a great book in general.

[Adriana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A wonderful debut novel! I was easily engrossed by The Trouble with Twins. I loved the narration style where a grandmother was telling a story to her granddaughter. The pacing and sequencing of the story was perfectly done. The illustrations by Julia Sarda were fun to view along the way. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story within a story is a bit on the delightfully dark side- think The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Series of Unfortunate Events, and stories by Neil Gaiman. Misunderstood protagonists in an unpredictable story. Still, readers can remain confident that everything will work itself out in the end.

[Aasiya Damani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has numerous things that are relatable to, whether it is with twins or siblings in general. The book had my heart. It is a mesmerizing story of the lives of two twin sisters. How they have been separated, and the way they reunite is heart touching. It is a must read book, especially if you have a sibling.

[Richa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice read. Not something I enjoyed too much, but I did like it. The plot was a little bit meh at times, and it really took a while for me to get into the book. I put it down many times, but I am glad that I decided to give it another chance.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two twins are treated very differently in their family. One can do no wrong and the other can do no right. What happens when one is ent away? Told in a story from a mother to a daughter about the twins adventures apart and together. Upper elementary.

[Chyta Rehulina · Rating 4 out of 5]

And i thought the lesson can be taken was not all who have perfection also have a lot of happiness in their lives and the simple term is...don't try to separate the twins even though they are very different

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because it is a really short book about 2 different journeys and the fairy tales. I would recommend this book to whoever wants a interesting book to read. I would not recommend to people who likes intense stories.

[Vianny · Rating 4 out of 5]

shocked at seeing the low rating but I get it, I feel like I love every book I read so I give it a really high rate just because I really enjoyed reading it. On the other hand though I really liked this book, it was sweet & easy only thing is I wish the aunt would’ve gotten a different ending.

[Eun Sol · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a great book!

[JoanVictoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Sweet. Humorous. Of course that doesn't include the parents who are just horrible. What an over reaction to what happened. So mean and cruel.

[Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little boring but a good moral.