About This Book
Reach for this book when your older child is navigating the complicated transition from being an only child to a big sibling, particularly if they are struggling with the loss of personal space or the 'ruining' of their favorite things. While many sibling books focus on the initial arrival of a baby, this story addresses the secondary phase where the toddler sibling becomes mobile and intrusive. It validates the very real frustration children feel when their boundaries are crossed by a younger sibling they are also expected to love and protect. Franklin the turtle is an affectionate big brother who genuinely enjoys Harriet, but his patience is tested when she breaks his favorite toy and invades his room. Through Franklin's experience, children ages 3 to 7 will see their own mixed emotions mirrored: the pride of being a 'big kid' versus the annoyance of shared resources. It is an excellent tool for normalizing resentment and modeling how to set healthy boundaries within a family unit without losing the bond of affection.
