Children’s Books About Family Love & Sibling Connection

Illness, disability, hardships, and other stressors affect the entire family. Conversations about family love and acknowledging everyone’s unique experiences are important, and some of these books can be ways to start the conversation. Some of these books also encourage play and interaction between the siblings which I love. Illness and disability siblings can sometimes feel ignored or less important. If it’s been a while since your family had a conversation about these feelings, let these books be an excuse to bring it up.

Of course, experiences can be so different. So I collected several options that could be helpful. I do want to acknowledge that there more books in this list about big sisters. As I searched for books, I thought that was interesting trend and maybe comes from an assumption that older girls take on more of the stress or maybe an assumption that older girls should take on more ownership. Anyway, I was happy to find some variety and some books that I truly think can help families build a love-filled unit that moves through life together and also acknowledges that they all face their own unique struggles.

Sibling Stories and Connection

Sour Cakes by Karen Krossing

This book shows an interaction between an older sister and a younger brother. The sister wakes him up and gives him all sorts of options for the day, but he wants none of it. Whatever she offers, he wants the opposite. His sister follows his lead and just offers to be with him. The book shows the boy in a fog, but he accepts his sister's presence and makes an effort to try her suggestions too. I think the story could help families have conversations about how we can be there for each other, what feels good for each person, and how it can all feel if one person is in the “fog” for an extended period of time. Good for kids at a preschool through middle elementary age.
https://amzn.to/4ekQ2VQ

Sometimes by Rebecca Elliott 

This book is told from the perspective of a younger brother. He talks about his sister and things he likes about her. He talks about how she has to go to the hospital sometimes and how she gets her food through a “magic” belly tube.  The book talks about how they both have to be brave and do hard things, but also about how they find fun in the hospital together. Most likely the details of this book will not exactly match the details of your family, but this is a positive book about a sibling relationship that touches on their differences and their love for each other. It is a great conversation starter, as kids will likely be able to draw a comparison to their own sibling relationship and healthcare experiences. https://amzn.to/477RRlb

Just Because by Rebecca Elliott

This second book is similar in that it celebrates the same two siblings in the book above. It talks about the ways they are different and the things they like. Rather than trying to solve the differences or be the same, the book demonstrates accepting siblings as they are and loving them for it. Both of these books are playful, kind, and sweet. Good for young children, especially those with siblings. The first book, Sometimes, is especially relevant to kids who have a sibling who is sometimes hospitalized or who needs extra health support.
https://amzn.to/4yBhKG7

Benji, the Bad Day, and Me by Sally J. Pla

This book tells the story of a school aged boy who has a rotten day at school. Nothing goes his way and when he gets home, his mom tells him that his brother is also having a bad day. The boy talks about how much his family does to keep his brother in a good place including positives after hard things and giving space. On this day, his mom doesn’t really clue into his bad day, but eventually his younger brother does. He takes care of him in his own way. This story acknowledges what it might feel like to be the “easier” child who still has hard days. The book remains positive and the sibling relationship is strong. A great way to start conversations about how the family can support everyone. Good for preschoolers through middle elementary aged kids.
https://amzn.to/47BvmVU

The Sister Book: A guide to good times with your family by Kristi Thom

This book was written for 9-12 year old girls, but I think even a couple of years younger would appreciate it. The book was written as a guide to help kids connect with their families. The book shares ideas of things that kids can do to connect with family members, create new traditions, and make good memories, which could be great when separated at the hospital or going through something hard. The book also gives kids ideas of how they can “support their siblings”. The book includes real life stories and suggestions. Even if your children get a long well, this book has so many good ideas of how kids can connect and share. I highly recommend it for any family who is looking for fun new ways to connect or even bored kids. Activities are not “girly” and would be great for all family members. Would be a great fit for kids in the hospital or dealing with a new illness. I only wish that there was a matching “brother” book… and can only think that it is sister focused because it is created by American Girl. https://amzn.to/4hzpX7N

Celebrating a Family’s Love and Support

We Are Family by Patricia Hegarty

This book celebrates families with general text that applies to most and lots of inclusive illustrations showing families of many types. The book especially talks about the moments families have together like at the beginning or end of the day, taking care of each other and being there for each other, and being the consistent thing that kids can count on.  This book could be a great book to support a child when a family member is going through something. Talking about your family as a team that is in it together can be an important lesson or mindset when going through some harder things. This book is great for young children through middle elementary.
https://amzn.to/4y2ii6J

You are loved: A Book About Families by Margaret O’Hair

This book starts with the story of a girl who is adopted into a family. She talks about how her family looks different from others and about her family around the globe. After the book becomes a celebration of family in all forms. Mostly emphasizing that you don’t have to be related or even see each other a lot, but that families are marked by love for one another. This means showing up for them when they need it and loving them even when you can’t be together. This book would be nice for conversations about diverse families, supporting each other through hard things, or just reminding a child how loved they are. The first and last pages are wordy, but most of the pages are simple. So I believe it could be adapted for very young children and read to kids through early elementary school.
https://amzn.to/3VtOvq8

A Family Like Ours by Frank Murphy and Alice Lee

This book celebrates families of all types as places to learn, build traditions, share hopes, and be brave. The book focuses on showing the many ways that families can look. It also talks about family changes, creating new families, and being safe together. This is another great book for a home book shelf to celebrate family and how you support each other through the good times and the rough. This book is a great conversation starter, as sometimes kids need to be reminded that they have their families love and support and can conquer things as a team. Good for young kids through middle elementary age.
https://amzn.to/4APVwSl

Feeling Left Out:

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

This story is about a boy who feels invisible. Some kids in his class often take up the teacher's attention. The other kids ignore him. The days are long, but one day when I new kid arrives, the boy shows him kindness which leads to a new friendship. While this book isn’t specifically about siblings, it can be a good story to initiate a conversation about attention, and how sometimes being “easy” and not needing extra care or attention is a lonely place to be.
https://amzn.to/3Vmz8zP

As always, I make a small commission on books purchased through some of these links, but I also encourage you to find them at your local library or book store.