What Sisters Do Best/What Brothers Do Best

Predictable but fun family book to share.
Parents say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this book reads two ways: from the point of view of what sisters do best, and then brothers. Kids will also have fun reading the book both ways.
Community Reviews
sister is better than brother
Report this review
What's the Story?
Read from one direction, the book goes through a series of everyday things a sister does best with her brother. They climb trees, swing, share snacks, make things, and help each other out with chores and when they just need a hug. Flip the book over and the siblings do the same things together, but this time with the brother as the main character.
Is It Any Good?
The message is pleasant and friendly, the writing simple and straightforward, and the illustrations playful. The cute cuddly animals bring a sense of joy to the pages. The story is fairly predictable, so beginning readers will enjoy reading it to themselves. Kids will also have fun reading the book both ways, first the sister side, then the brother. Fans of What Mommies Do Best/What Daddies Do Best by the same author will like this book too.
Artwork is cute and playful, and will appeal to young kids especially. Done in watercolors, colored pencils, and pen and ink, the colors are soft yet vibrant and the characters are a variety of different brother and sister animals who are enjoying each other's company.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what the different things are that the sister and brother do together? Can you think of other activities that you might like to do with your sister or brother? Why do you think sisters and brothers do exactly the same things in the book? Is that how it is in real life?
Why do you think the author chose to make the characters all different types of animals instead of human kids?
Book Details
- Author: Laura Numeroff
- Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger
- Genre: Picture Book
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Chronicle Books
- Publication date: September 16, 2009
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 44
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love picture books
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate