Brothers: Books For Kids
Brothers are kind, loving, loyal, protective, and playful. Maybe sometimes they’re a tease or put a worm near your face, but you can’t help but love them! Whether your little boy is becoming a big brother, your little girl is getting a baby brother, or you already have little ones of both genders, we’ve gathered the perfect books to help your family celebrate the brothers in your life.
A special new edition in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, with a stunning new cover illustration by Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick. There is a door at the end of a silent corridor. And it’s haunting Harry Potter’s dreams. Why else would he be waking in the middle of the night, screaming in terror? It’s not just the upcoming O.W.L. exams; a new teacher with a personality like poisoned honey; a venomous, disgruntled house-elf; or even the growing threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Now Harry Potter is faced with the unreliability of the very government of the magical world and the impotence of the authorities at Hogwarts. Despite this (or perhaps because of it), he finds depth and strength in his friends, beyond what even he knew; boundless loyalty; and unbearable sacrifice. This gorgeous new edition in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone features a newly designed cover illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick, as well as the beloved original interior decorations by Mary GrandPré.
Max’s Castle is a really clever book and sure to fascinate any early reader. The book brilliantly explores words by mixing around or swapping the letters in one word to create an amalgamation of similar words and anagrams. Early readers are sure to enjoy, for example, that by simply adding an “l” block to the word “adder,” Max and his three brothers smartly create a ladder to escape from the dangerous adder in the dungeon of the castle. Kate Banks and Boris Kulikov have some fun with the illustrations and anagrams surprising us with threatening pirates in one page before turning “pirates” into harmless “rat pies” in the next page. This book is sure to delight readers with its wit and imaginative exploration of letters.
When Max finds a pile of forgotten toys under the bed, his brothers Benjamin and Karl wonder what’s so special about some old blocks. So Max shows them. With some clever twists of both blocks and imagination, he constructs not only a castle but an entire adventure, complete with pirates and knights, a dark dungeon and a dragon. This ingenious sequel to Max’s Words and Max’s Dragons shows readers just how much fun wordplay can be.
The Hardy Boys series, first published in 1927, has sold more than 70 million copies! Now with a brand-new look, this is an edition that collectors won’t want to miss! In The Tower Treasure, the first book in the incredibly popular, long-running series, Frank and Joe Hardy work together to solve a high-stakes jewel heist. A special treat for Hardy Boys fans and any reader who’s new to the series!
They’re Puffin Classics for a reason, it’s because they’re the best
Tom Sawyer is sure to find trouble wherever the river leads him . . .
On the banks of the Mississippi River, Tom Sawyer and his friends seek out adventure at every turn. Then one fateful night in the graveyard they witness a murder. The boys make a blood oath never to reveal the secret, and they run away to be pirates in search of hidden treasure. But when Tom gets trapped in a cave with scary Injun Joe, can he escape unharmed?
Thomas wants to build the biggest and best snowman ever. Since he can’t do it alone, he’ll need a helping hand—or a paw. But little bears love to hibernate. How do you wake up a snoozing bear? By tickling it? Singing to it? Maybe making its favorite snack?
How to Build a Snow Bear is a story about two siblings sharing a wondrous wintry day.
The New Small Person - The Book Snob Mom - This is a great story about an only child who finds himself no longer the only child around. It does a fantastic job of showing some of the struggles of adapting to life with a sibling. I really like that it takes you through a journey starting at a new baby, but also some of the frustrations of having a slightly older little sibling who sometimes gets into your stuff and wants to follow you around and wear your clothes. Lest you worry this is only about sibling frustration, fret now—it also brings the reader around to how nice it can be too. In fact, life might actually be a lot more fun with a little person around ;)
Caleb and Kit - From award-winning author Beth Vrabel comes a powerfully moving story about a magical friendship, coping with disability, and the pains of growing up and growing apart. Twelve-year-old Caleb is shorter, frailer, and more protected than most kids his age. That’s because he has cystic fibrosis, a diagnosis meaning lungs that fill with mucus and a shortened lifespan. Caleb tries not to let his disorder define him, but it can be hard with an overprotective mom and a perfect big brother. Then Caleb meets Kit—a vibrant, independent, and free girl—and his world changes instantly. Kit reads Caleb’s palm and tells him they are destined to become friends. She calls birds down from the sky and turns every day into an adventure. Her magic is contagious, making Caleb question the rules and order in his life. But being Kit’s friend means embracing deception and danger, and soon Caleb will have to decide if his friendship with Kit is really what’s best for him—or her. This new paperback edition includes a Q&A with the author as well as a sneak peek at Beth Vrabel’s next middle grade novel, The Humiliations of Pipi McGee.
Wolfie the Bunny - Lemony Snickers - Wolfie the Bunny is a clever take on the emotions and stress children can face dealing with new additions to their own family. Dot, an only bunny-child in a family of bunnies is suspicious of the new wolf baby her parents have so enthusiastically welcomed to the family. Dot recognizes the wolf in bunny’s clothing—quite literally, in a hilarious nod to the figurative wolf in sheep’s clothing, a growing Wolfie is dressed up in a pink bunny outfit to go outside—and warns that the wolf will eat them all. As it turns out, Wolfie isn’t a threat to the family. Rather, Wolfie protects Dot. It isn’t until Wolfie is, in turn, threatened that Dot steps in to protect Wolfie. The book fabulously captures the bias so many of us display—we might say what we want about our family, but as soon as an outsider says something negative about our family, we immediately bristle and rise to their defense. In this case, that same response helps Dot to overcome her concern about welcoming a new family member.
Just Me and My Little Brother - The little critter describes all the things he will be able to do with his little brother, from picking apples to getting in snowball fights and hunting Easter eggs
Twelve-year-old identical twins Jay and Ray have long resented that everyone treats them as one person, and so they hatch a plot to take advantage of a clerical error at their new school and pretend they are just one.
Four adventurous siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie—step through a wardrobe door and into the land of Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter and enslaved by the power of the White Witch. But when almost all hope is lost, the return of the Great Lion, Aslan, signals a great change . . . and a great sacrifice.
Open the door and enter a new world! The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the second book in C. S. Lewis’s classic fantasy series, which has been captivating readers of all ages with a magical land and unforgettable characters for over sixty years.
For Chickies life was good. Life was perfect until . . . CRAAACK . . . the Chickies have a new brother! With engaging rhymes, endearing illustrations, and a soft padded cover, Janee Trasler’s books are perfect for babies and toddlers to enjoy. Big sisters- and brothers-to-be will be excited to take a cue from the lovable Chickies and cheep for joy when a new baby arrives!
A humorous and clever take on new parenting as well as new siblings and the shifting balance of power. The illustrations are cute and provide an additional level of entertainment to the story.
From the day she was born, Nina was a ninja baby. She obliterated her applesauce. She concealed herself at bath time. And she was training herself in advanced infiltration (of movie night). Nina wants to do everything by herself, until the day her parents bring home a Kung Fu Master (a baby brother). Now with a sibling, Nina will face the one thing she cannot do alone: be part of a family. With verve and humor, David Zeltser and Diane Goode tell the story of an unusually gifted child, and the family that is more than a match for her.
Being a big brother is a BIG job. There’s lots to show your little brother . . . Trains . . . Planes . . . How to be a dinosaur. There are games to play and adventures to be had. And if trouble comes, it’s big brother to the rescue because there’s no better friend than a brother.
What Brothers Do Best - B is for Bookworm - This book shows many different pairs of animal siblings and talks about all of the wonderful things brothers can do, from just being there when we need them to playing pretend. I’ve found that it’s quite difficult to find a good children’s book about brothers, and I appreciate that this one talks about so many of the good things about brothers!
Brothers Forever - Rhyming text celebrates the relationship between an older and younger brother.
Big Brothers Are the Best - Follows a young boy as he helps to care for the new baby in his family.
The Boxcar Children - The Aldens begin their adventure by making a home in a boxcar. Their goal is to stay together, and in the process they find a grandfather.
Peter finds his demanding two-year-old brother an ever increasing problem.
Kirkus Award Finalist Schneider Family Book Award Winner Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book
When two brothers decide to prove how brave they are, everything backfires—literally—in this piercing middle grade novel by the winner of the Coretta Scott King – John Steptoe Award.
Genie’s summer is full of surprises. The first is that he and his big brother, Ernie, are leaving Brooklyn for the very first time to spend the summer with their grandparents all the way in Virginia—in the COUNTRY! The second surprise comes when Genie figures out that their grandfather is blind. Thunderstruck and—being a curious kid—Genie peppers Grandpop with questions about how he covers it so well (besides wearing way cool Ray-Bans).
How does he match his clothes? Know where to walk? Cook with a gas stove? Pour a glass of sweet tea without spilling it? Genie thinks Grandpop must be the bravest guy he’s ever known, but he starts to notice that his grandfather never leaves the house—as in NEVER. And when he finds the secret room that Grandpop is always disappearing into—a room so full of songbirds and plants that it’s almost as if it’s been pulled inside-out—he begins to wonder if his grandfather is really so brave after all.
Then Ernie lets him down in the bravery department. It’s his fourteenth birthday, and, Grandpop says to become a man, you have to learn how to shoot a gun. Genie thinks that is AWESOME until he realizes Ernie has no interest in learning how to shoot. None. Nada. Dumbfounded by Ernie’s reluctance, Genie is left to wonder—is bravery and becoming a man only about proving something, or is it just as important to own up to what you won’t do?
This book contains a few short stories about the silly shenanigans of brothers Charlie and Mouse. They make plans together, have fun together, and come up with great ideas together. Their fun behavior might remind you of your own brothers. :)
Four hilarious stories, two inventive brothers, one irresistible and award-winning beginning chapter book—now in paperback! Join Charlie and Mouse as they talk to lumps, take the neighborhood to a party, sell some rocks, and invent the bedtime banana. With imagination and humor, Laurel Snyder and Emily Hughes paint a lively picture of brotherhood that children will relish in a beginning chapter book format perfect for young readers graduating from picture books.
Bestselling and beloved creator Todd Parr brings his trademark wit and wisdom to this celebration of all different kinds of brothers! Some brothers are big. Some brothers are little. Some brothers are quiet. Some brothers are a little wild. All brothers are a special part of your family! Following up on his family classics The Mommy Book, The Daddy Book, The Grandma Book, and The Grandpa Book, Todd Parr turns to siblings! With his trademark childlike art, Todd celebrates all different kinds of brothers. Whether they are older or younger, enjoy playing sports or dancing, or prefer to hang out together or need time to themselves, brothers are always a special part of your family. This sibling celebration is perfect for brothers of all ages, and for older boys and girls who are expecting a new little one.
Rex tries to be the biggest, scariest tyrannosaurus around until he learns that he is just the right size to be a big brother.
The Misadventures of the Family Flether - The start of the school year is not going as the Fletcher brothers hoped. Each boy finds his plans for success veering off in unexpected and sometimes diastrous directions. And at home, their miserable new neighbor complains about everything. As the year continues, the boys learn the hard and often hilarious lesson that sometimes what you least expect is what you come to care about the most.
The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Evil Penguin Plan - Meet Ace and Bub, the flying beaver brothers! Ace loves extreme sports and is always looking for a new adventure. Bub loves napping and, well, napping. But when penguins threaten to freeze Beaver Island for “resort and polar-style living,” the brothers put their talents to work saving their tropical island paradise. Can they save Beaver Island from environmental destruction? And can they do it in time to still win the annual Beaver Island Surfing Competition?
Little Brothers & Little Sisters - The good, the bad, and the lovely about having a sibling
Big Little Brother - A four-year-old boy explains that his little brother is bigger than he is, follows him everywhere, and is annoying, but his presence becomes indispensible when bullies are around.
Two brothers, Damian and Anthony Cunningham, discover a huge sum of cash, and must decide how, or even if, to spend it, all while the bank robbers who actually stole the money pursue them.
Sometimes brothers are different. Sometimes they’re alike. Some days brothers get along. Other days they don’t! But on this they agree: brothers stick together. Always.
A sweet and humorous companion to David McPhail’s Sisters, a favorite since 1984, Brothers celebrates the lasting bond between siblings.
When Little Brother and Big Brother are upset, they both know why—because they’re brothers!
Frustrated by little brothers who follow him everywhere and wreck his toys and games, George commandeers an empty washing machine box for an imaginative escape that is free of pirates, dragons and bothersome younger siblings.
The beauty of the brotherly bond is on display in this touching tribute to a special sibling relationship. Whimsi-cal illustrations capture the highlights of brotherhood: building sandcastles, flying a kite, making mischief, and cherishing childhood moments together. Bright pops of Pantone orange bestow each illustrated spread with charm, and a cloth spine adds a delightful specialness. At once a sweet picture book for young children and a treasured gift for parents, this heartfelt testament to the inimitable brotherly bond goes straight to the heart
The Amazing Adventures of Bumblebee Boy - From the creators of the New York Times bestselling Ladybug Girl series comes a story about sibling cooperation and play featuring a member of the Bug Squad, Bumblebee Boy! When Sam is Bumblebee Boy, he likes to fly alone, using his imagination to battle dragons, pirates, and tigers. Sam’s little brother, Owen, would like to play with him, but Owen doesn’t have a cape or a mask, and Bumblebee Boy doesn’t need his help. But when more aliens than Bumblebee Boy can handle land on the moon, will he be able to defeat them by himself? Through their imaginary adventures, Sam and Owen discover just how much fun a brother can be, and learn that there are times to play alone and times to play with others.
Charlie & Mouse Even Better - In this heartwarming follow-up to Laurel Snyder’s awardwinning beginning chapter book Charlie & Mouse, the two brothers prepare to celebrate one very special birthday: their mom’s! Follow along as they choose the best pancakes, hunt for presents, decorate with snakes, and more. Things don’t go exactly as planned . . . but with plenty of humor and heart, Charlie and Mouse prove that sometimes when things aren’t perfect, what they turn out to be is even better.
Baby Says - The legendary Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author and illustrator John Steptoe shares the story of a baby who desperately wants to get his older brother’s attention. Spare text and lively illustrations tell the story of two brothers at opposite ends of a room. The older brother plays with blocks on the floor, while a curious baby boy watches intently from his crib. After repeatedly trying to get his big brother’s attention, Baby finally gets what he wants—but not before a few silly, giggle-inducing incidents occur! This classic sibling story continues to entrance.
Did you enjoy our children's book recommendations? Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!