Sisters

by David McPhail

Sisters are different in so many ways, yet alike in many more. But there is one heartfelt way in which they are most alike—they love each other so very much.
David McPhail's celebration of the joys—and trials—of sisterhood has been a favorite with sisters of all ages for almost twenty years. Now published in full color for the first time, in its original intimate size, a new generation of sisters will love to read this treasure . . . together.
Features a presentation page, a personal touch for gift giving.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Realistic Fiction

28 pages, Board Book

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

David was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts and attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. While there, he began illustrating. He is now an award-winning author and illustrator of nearly 200 books beloved by children, parents and librarians across the United States. McPhail has garnered many prestigious awards, including a New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year for Mole Music in 2001. McPhail’s other books include First Flight, which the New York Times praised as “hilarious and helpful”; and Lost!, which was chosen as an American Bookseller Pick of the Lists.

McPhail has four children, three stepchildren, and is a proud grandfather. He is married to Jan Waldron, with whom he has written and illustrated several books. He lives in Rye, New Hampshire.

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

(This is so me and my sister.

We are so different starting from how we look to our tiniest interests, likes and dislikes.

But we are sisters. She's actually cool. We are a few years apart but we are like best friends and we call each other with the weirdest nick names.)

This is the story of two sisters just how alike and how different they are from each other. But it's okay. They are sisters and I just love this storybook.

The illustrations are perfect!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable little book my mom gave me (and my sister) for Christmas. One sister likes frogs, one likes to read, they both like dance class, but there is friction when they both play the piano. This is such a cute book that has the message of even though sisters may be similar and different in ways- they still love each other. It made me cry because it is so close to the story of Jamie and Sydney! Thanks Mom!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is included in PEN America's Index of Banned & Challenged Books and was generously donated by a friend as part of an initiative to distribute banned books to Little Free Libraries in my community.

There is absolutely nothing questionable or offensive about this book. I can only assume some rednecks wanted it banned because it is bilingual. Each page features a few lines of text in English, and then the same lines are repeated in Spanish. Heavens forbid the children might learn a little foreign language, I suppose.

Anyway, there isn't much of a story here, just two characters who are sisters and have many things they don't agree on, but also many things in common. The illustrations are cute and I can see how this would be a fun readalong book for siblings or as a bedtime story. I look forward to passing it along for a young child to enjoy.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bilingual Spanish/English version of the book Sisters. Originally published in 1984 with black and white pen and ink illustrations, the book was republished in color in 2003. The soft-toned colored pen and ink illustrations reappear in this bilingual board book. "This is the story of two sisters ... who in many ways were different." Two sisters and their favorite games and activities are shown in homey snapshots: first in the ways they are different, and then in the activities that they both enjoy. Finally, the most special thing they share is the love of one other. An affectionate and sweet McPhail classic brought to new audiences.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about two sisters that love each other very much.

Ages: 3 - 7

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two sisters are different in many ways, and they are alike in many ways as well. But whether they agree or disagree they will always love each other very much. It is a simple story told in simple terms but it is a lovely sentiment expressed in a beautiful way. The sweet illustrations show so much character you can't help but love these adorable sisters. A perfect book for any sisters.

[Selma Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books growing up. My sister and I loved reading it together. I appreciate the illustrations and the heart warming story. Definitely a good read for younger girls with sisters.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, lovely story about two sisters who are alike in many ways, but different in many ways also.

[Mallory Vickers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book while doing my literature collection. I picked this book because I have two sisters and so I thought I might be able to connect with the text. This book has very simple language so it is for sure aimed towards younger children. I do however like the message in the story. It teaches that even though you may be different doesn't mean you can't be best friends.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Board Book
The many ways sisters are alike and different.
McPhail celebrates both in this story.

[Olivia S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty cute. Old-fashioned, obviously. Sweet illustrations, simple story. I love the cat.

[Serene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute little book

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a keeper because it’s the loveliest to read with Kait and Maddie.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celebrates the love two sisters can have for each other and the ways they can be so unique and different from each other.

[Emmaline MacBeath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of two sisters. Sometimes they like the same things, sometimes not. Sometimes they share, sometimes not. They take care of each other, help each other, but best of all they deeply love each other.

The illustrations are done in pen and ink and colored with watercolor. They are colorful, lighthearted and give a sense of fun.

This is a companion book to McPhail's book Brothers which I loved. This is an endearing story about how it should be between sisters. They may not always agree, but they are there for each other and have unconditional love. This is a lovely message and example to pass on. The wording is very simple in this book and it is fairly short making it perfect for very young children and early readers. Recommended for ages 3-7.

[Karelle Royal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this little book (it is literally a small book)
Great story that teaches about sisterly love.
Teaches about celebrating uniqueness.
Limited text on each page w/ beautiful illustrations.
Great book to use to teach about character traits.
Teamwork & problem-solving
A very warm & fuzzy short family book.
Art: students can draw pictures of their family or make a family tree.
S/S: students can share stories about their families & show how they're similar & different.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book brings me back to my childhood - when this picture book was likely purchased in order to bridge the gap between my older sister and I. Between the similarity and differences, this book reminds, there is love and understanding. There was quite a bit more fighting and disparaging in our youth, but I appreciated the utopian vision presented by this brief book with lovely pencil-drawn sketches.

[Carmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminded me so much of my own sister and our childhood that I gave her a copy (years ago). Plus the great illustrations even look a bit like we did when we were younger I love David McPhail and I love this book. (Tor, I hope you still have your copy?)

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this one a lot. It has great little pictures and covers all aspects of sisterhood, how they are different and similar. As I have four daughters, the book is so relevant, I think I'd like to own it!

[Brittany Jacobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really touched on the love two sisters have for each other. It reminded me that even though my sister and I don't always see eye to eye, we are still sisters and that is a bond nothing can break!

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A celebration of two sisters, their similarities and differences and bond of love.

A short and sweet book that summarizes well how two sisters can be so different and so similar, and the best of friends.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story about two sisters who love each other very much. I read it to both my girls and they both listen intently and love it. My 3 year old asks for this story alot.

[SARAH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sisters are very different. Sisters are the same. They love each other.

[Britt]

hi

[Kathryn]

Awww, looks so cute! Thanks, Chandra! :-)

[Ann]

Awe! Thanks Chandra - this looks adorable, and already I'm so curious and anxious to get my hands on it :)

[Ebono1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

good story about family and being different, yet accepting eachother for their differences and still being able to get along

[Conquering · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to read to siblings, particularly sisters. Could be used as a learning tool when they argue.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful little book about sisters. Since I have 1 older sister and 7 younger sisters I can relate. Good book