About This Book
Reach for this book when your younger child feels pushed around by an older sibling's arbitrary rules or 'bossiness.' It is a validating choice for the child who is tired of playing by someone else's script and needs to see that they have the agency to change the dynamic. The story centers on Seymour, who treats his bedroom as a gated territory and demands a toll from his sister, Opal, every time she needs to pass through. While it begins as a tale of sibling friction, it evolves into a clever lesson on boundaries and wit. Opal eventually finds a creative way to turn the tables, demonstrating that fairness is a two-way street. Ideal for ages 4 to 8, this book uses humor and a relatable domestic setting to explore the nuances of justice within the family. It provides a natural opening for parents to discuss sharing spaces and why 'because I said so' isn't always a fair rule for siblings to impose on one another.
