About This Book
Reach for this book when your children start keeping score of your affection or when a new sibling's arrival has triggered a competitive streak. While the story follows two brothers and their mother on a fishing trip, it is really a masterclass in how to validate a child's unique identity without making love a zero sum game. Joosse uses rich, sensory language to describe the distinct qualities of each boy, one as vibrant as red and the other as deep as blue. By framing parental love through the lens of individual appreciation rather than equal distribution, the book provides a poetic and comforting answer to the common question, Who do you love more? It is a gentle, secular, and deeply warm read-aloud perfect for children aged 3 to 6 who are navigating the complex feelings of sibling rivalry and self-worth.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with sibling rivalry and the fear of being 'less than.' The approach is metaphorical and secular, providing a hopeful and securing resolution that reaffirms each child's place in the family.
Ideal Reader
A preschooler or kindergartner who is feeling 'middle child' syndrome or a child who has recently expressed jealousy over the attention a sibling receives. It is also perfect for the sensitive child who appreciates descriptive, artistic language.
