Starting with the wry subtitle and the colorful cover cartoon of two fuming kids standing back to back, this lively title uses accessible humor to approach sibling-related topics, such as birth order, privacy, jealousy, bullying, and bonding. The authors discuss each subject in a child-centered, casual, and humorous tone; tips about how to get the jealousy monster off your back, for example, are illustrated with a cartoon of a huge purple creature towering over a kid's shoulder. Included are chapters about siblings with special needs, stepsibs, and bonding with older sibs (respect their privacy) and younger sibs (practice asking, not bossing). The book's open design and interactive features, such as quick checklists and quizzes, help make this an effective choice for kids and grown-ups to talk and laugh about together. A final note and bibliography aimed at parents and caregivers will further aid family discussions.

Gr 5-8 This colorful manual opens by discussing birth order, considering the advantages and disadvantages of being the oldest, youngest, and the middle child, and how those positions affect sibling relationships. The heart of the book consists of a chapter of tips for defusing some of the most common sibling situations, such as disagreements about fairness, sharing, taking turns, teasing, privacy, bossiness, etc. "Five Ways to Forge a Fabulous Friendship" encourages family meetings for better communication among children and their parents. The last chapter addresses getting along with brothers and sisters who have special needs and living in a blended family. Each of these chapters includes sections called "Fast Fix" (e.g., walk away) and "Action Plan" (which outlines more long-range changes).The book includes reading lists for parents and caregivers as well as for siblings of children with special needs. Mark's humorous, quirky cartoons reinforce the helpful suggestions. A useful addition Elaine Lesh Morgan, formerly at Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR