Families who loved Sheila Rae's Peppermint Stick by Kevin Henkes often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
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.