Sheila Rae's Peppermint Stick

Reach for this book when you notice the first sparks of 'mine' and 'no' during snack time or when a younger sibling is feeling left out of a big kid activity. It captures the subtle, often funny power dynamics between siblings where the older child enjoys the upper hand a bit too much. In this short board book, Sheila Rae teases her sister Louise with a giant peppermint stick, claiming it is too long, too sweet, and too minty for her. It is a relatable look at sibling rivalry and the small, playful tests of patience that occur in every household. It ultimately validates a child's desire for fairness while showing that sharing is the most satisfying way to end a standoff. It is perfectly tuned for the toddler and preschool years.