
Reach for this book when your oldest child is having a 'big feelings' day involving a younger sibling. It is the perfect tool for those moments when the frustration of sharing toys or attention feels overwhelming, and your child needs to know that being annoyed by a sibling is a normal part of loving them. The story follows Flora and her little brother Crispin as they are swept away by a magical wind. As various creatures offer to take Crispin off her hands, Flora must decide what her brother is actually worth to her. It is a whimsical, beautifully illustrated adventure that validates a child's occasional desire for space while ultimately celebrating the protective bond of sisterhood. Best for children ages 4 to 8, it turns a common domestic tension into a high-flying fantasy.
Children are blown away by wind and face heights, though the tone remains whimsical.
The book deals with sibling rivalry and the 'wish' that a sibling would just go away. This is handled metaphorically through the wind's literal theft of the child. It is secular and ends with a warm, hopeful return to the safety of home.
An elementary student (ages 5-7) who is struggling with the transition of having a younger toddler sibling who 'gets into everything.' It’s for the child who needs to see their frustration mirrored but also needs a reminder of their own agency as a 'big' sibling.
This book can be read cold. The whimsical nature of the 'trades' is humorous, but parents should be ready to talk about why Flora says 'no' even when the offers are tempting. A parent might reach for this after hearing 'I wish he wasn't my brother!' or witnessing a particularly heated moment of sibling conflict.
Younger children will be captivated by the magic of flying and the funny animals. Older children will pick up on the sarcasm and the sophisticated emotional shift Flora undergoes as she realizes she actually wants her brother around.
Unlike many sibling books that focus on 'being nice,' this one honors the genuine dark humor of sibling rivalry. It acknowledges that brothers can be annoying enough to trade for a cloud, which makes the eventual choice to keep him feel more earned and authentic.
Flora is frustrated with her younger brother, Crispin, who is wearing his 'heavy' boots. When a powerful autumn wind begins to lift them off the ground, Flora realizes that Crispin's heavy boots are the only thing keeping them from blowing away completely. As they tumble through the sky, Flora is approached by a cloud, an eagle, the man in the moon, and the wind itself, each offering her a trade for her brother. Flora's internal monologue shifts from annoyance to a fierce, protective realization of his value.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review