Jennifer Lambert

A Sacred Balance

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Books about Siblings

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December 6, 2016 By Jennifer Lambert 8 Comments

I love using great books to teach my children about positive relationships.
We love to read and these books represent siblings with amazing adventures, struggles, yet loving relationships.

It’s important to me that my four children grow up to love and respect each other.

I am diligent about cultivating great relationships among my four children.

I am saddened by many other families and how their kids don’t even seem to like each other. The parents seem amused and resigned to the sibling rivalry, fighting, bickering, and other negativity. A lot of popular media perpetuates this stereotype that siblings don’t get along.

My parents didn’t have great relationships with their siblings. My husband has little interaction with his two sisters. I’m an only child and I refuse to give in to stereotypes.

Books about Siblings

I have a vision for my children when they are grown and love to be around each other, friends for life.

My 30+ books and series about brothers, sisters, siblings, and family relationships:

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

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.

You’re All My Favourites  by Sam McBratney

Mummy and Daddy Bear reassure their three little bears that each is equally special. But the little bears start to wonder: do their differences mean one is loved less? After some love and affection, the bears are satisfied that they really are all their parents’ favourites!

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

Raina can’t wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren’t quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she’s also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play by herself. Their relationship doesn’t improve much over the years, but when a baby brother enters the picture and later, something doesn’t seem right between their parents, they realize they must figure out how to get along. They are sisters, after all.

A Wrinkle in Time Quintet by Madeleine L’Engle

It was a dark and stormy night; Meg Murry, her small brother Charles Wallace, and her mother had come down to the kitchen for a midnight snack when they were upset by the arrival of a most disturbing stranger.

“Wild nights are my glory,” the unearthly stranger told them. “I just got caught in a downdraft and blown off course. Let me sit down for a moment, and then I’ll be on my way. Speaking of ways, by the way, there is such a thing as a tesseract.”

The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis

Fantastic creatures, heroic deeds, epic battles in the war between good and evil, and unforgettable adventures come together in this world where magic meets reality.

Swallows and Amazons Series by Arthur Ransome

The first title in Arthur Ransome’s classic series, originally published in 1930: for children, for grownups, for anyone captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Swallows and Amazons introduces the lovable Walker family, the camp on Wild Cat island, the able-bodied catboat Swallow, and the two intrepid Amazons, Nancy and Peggy Blackett.

The Penderwicks Series by Jeanne Birdsall

This summer the Penderwick sisters have a wonderful surprise: a holiday on the grounds of a beautiful estate called Arundel. Soon they are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel’s sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. But the best discovery of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner, who quickly proves to be the perfect companion for their adventures.

The icy-hearted Mrs. Tifton is not as pleased with the Penderwicks as Jeffrey is, though, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Which, of course, they will—won’t they? One thing’s for sure: it will be a summer the Penderwicks will never forget.

Deliciously nostalgic and quaintly witty, this is a story as breezy and carefree as a summer day.

Five Children and It by E. Nesbit

When Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane and their baby brother go digging in the gravel pit, the last thing they expect to find is a Psammead – an ancient Sand-fairy! Having a Sand-fairy for a pet means having one wish granted each day. But the children don’t realize all the trouble wishes can cause…

The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit

When Father goes away with two strangers one evening, the lives of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis are shattered. They and their mother have to move from their comfortable London home to go and live in a simple country cottage, where Mother writes books to make ends meet. However, they soon come to love the railway that runs near their cottage, and they make a habit of waving to the Old Gentleman who rides on it. They befriend the porter, Perks, and through him learn railway lore and much else. They have many adventures, and when they save a train from disaster, they are helped by the Old Gentleman to solve the mystery of their father’s disappearance.

Ramona Series by Beverly Cleary

Kids everywhere feel connected to Ramona’s unique way of looking at the world as she tries to adjust to new teachers, feels jealous about Susan’s curls, and is secretly pleased by Yard Ape’s teasing. The scrapes she gets herself into—like wearing pajamas to school or accidentally making egg yolk shampoo—are funny and heartwarming, and sometimes embarrassing. No matter what—Ramona’s lively, curious spirit shines through.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Lovely Meg, talented Jo, frail Beth, spoiled Amy: these are hard lessons of poverty and of growing up in New England during the Civil War. Through their dreams, plays, pranks, letters, illnesses, and courtships, women of all ages have become a part of this remarkable family and have felt the deep sadness when Meg leaves the circle of sisters to be married at the end of Part I. Part II, chronicles Meg’s joys and mishaps as a young wife and mother, Jo’s struggle to become a writer, Beth’s tragedy, and Amy’s artistic pursuits and unexpected romance.

Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Set during the pioneer days of the late 1800s and early 1900s, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books chronicle her life growing up on the Western frontier. Come along for the adventure with this collector’s set of the first five Little House books, featuring Garth Williams’ interior art in vibrant full color.

The Little House books have been cherished by generations of readers as both a unique glimpse into America’s frontier history and a heartwarming, unforgettable story.

The story begins in 1871 in a little log cabin on the edge of the Big Woods of Wisconsin. Laura lives in the little house with her Pa, her Ma, her sisters Mary and Carrie, and their trusty dog, Jack. Pioneer life is sometimes hard for the family, since they must grow or catch all their own food as they get ready for the cold winter. But it is also exciting as Laura and her family celebrate Christmas with homemade toys and treats, do the spring planting, bring in the harvest, and make their first trip into town. And every night they are safe and warm in their little house, with the happy sound of Pa’s fiddle sending Laura and her sisters off to sleep.

My Neighbor Totoro by Tsugiko Kubo

Eleven-year-old Satsuki and her sassy little sister Mei have moved to the country to be closer to their ailing mother. While their father is working, the girls explore their sprawling old house and the forest and fields that surround it. Soon, Satsuki and Mei discover Totoro, a magical forest spirit who takes them on fantastic adventures through the trees and the clouds–and teaches them a lesson about trusting one another.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

The remarkable story of Esperanza Cordero. Told in a series of vignettes – sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes deeply joyous – it is the story of a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, inventing for herself who and what she will become.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

Set in Mississippi at the height of the Depression, this is the story of one family’s struggle to maintain their integrity, pride, and independence in the face of racism and social injustice. And it is also Cassie’s story—Cassie Logan, an independent girl who discovers over the course of an important year why having land of their own is so crucial to the Logan family, even as she learns to draw strength from her own sense of dignity and self-respect.

The Tillerman Cycle by Cynthia Voigt

“It’s still true.” That’s the first thing James Tillerman says to his older sister, Dicey, every morning. It’s still true that their mother has abandoned the four Tillermans in a mall parking lot somewhere in the middle of Connecticut. It’s still true that they have to find their own way to Great-aunt Cilla’s house in Bridgeport. It’s still true that they need to spend as little as possible on food and seek shelter anywhere that is out of view of the authorities. It’s still true that the only way they can hope to all stay together is to just keep moving forward.

Deep down, Dicey hopes they can find someone to trust, someone who will take them in and love them. But she’s afraid it’s just too much to hope for…

So Far From the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawashima Watkins

In the final days of World War II, Koreans were determined to take back control of their country from the Japanese and end the suffering caused by the Japanese occupation. As an eleven-year-old girl living with her Japanese family in northern Korea, Yoko is suddenly fleeing for her life with her mother and older sister, Ko, trying to escape to Japan, a country Yoko hardly knows.

Their journey is terrifying—and remarkable. It’s a true story of courage and survival that highlights the plight of individual people in wartime. In the midst of suffering, acts of kindness, as exemplified by a family of Koreans who risk their own lives to help Yoko’s brother, are inspiring reminders of the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Journey To Topaz: A Story Of The Japanese-American Evacuation by Yoshiko Uchida

Based on Yoshiko Uchida’s personal experiences, this is the moving story of one girl’s struggle to remain brave during the Japanese internment of World War II. In a bleak and dusty prison camp, eleven-year-old Yuki and her family experience both true friendship and heart-wrenching tragedy.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

The American classic about a young girl’s coming-of-age at the turn of the century.

Morning Girl by Michael Dorris

A tale based on an entry in the diary of Christopher Columbus that tells of a native family living in a vibrant community striving to coexist with the natural world.

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia McLachlan

This book gently explores themes of abandonment, loss, and love. The 30th Anniversary edition includes author Patricia MacLachlan’s Newbery speech, a discussion guide, and a reading list.

Set in the late nineteenth century and told from young Anna’s point of view, Sarah, Plain and Tall tells the story of how Sarah Elisabeth Wheaton comes from Maine to the prairie to answer Papa’s advertisement for a wife and mother. Before Sarah arrives, Anna and her younger brother, Caleb, wait and wonder. Will Sarah be nice? Will she sing? Will she stay?

Peter Pan by JM Barrie

A mischievous boy who can fly and never grows up, Peter Pan spends his never-ending childhood adventuring on the small island of Neverland as the leader of his gang, the Lost Boys, interacting with mermaids, Native Americans, fairies, pirates, and occasionally ordinary children from the world outside of Neverland.

Wonder Series by R. J. Palacio

I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.

The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, “The Hunger Games,” a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed.

The Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi

It all started with a mysterious letter left at a tiny bookstore for authors Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black. Its closing lines: “We just want people to know about this. The stuff that has happened to us could happen to anyone.” Little could they imagine the remarkable adventure that awaited them as they followed Jared, Simon, and Mallory Grace and a strange old book into a world filled with elves, goblins, dwarves, trolls, and a fantastical menagerie of other creatures. The oddest part is in entering that world, they didn’t leave this one!

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

In this tale revolving around not just parents and children but brothers and sisters, cousins and caretakers, Hosseini explores the many ways in which families nurture, wound, betray, honor, and sacrifice for one another; and how often we are surprised by the actions of those closest to us, at the times that matter most. Following its characters and the ramifications of their lives and choices and loves around the globe—from Kabul to Paris to San Francisco to the Greek island of Tinos—the story expands gradually outward, becoming more emotionally complex and powerful with each turning page.

 

What’s your favorite book about siblings?

Do you have a good relationship with your siblings?

I am inspired, seeing all the pictures on social media of my friends with their siblings for Siblings Day.

I’m an only child.

I have four children.

My husband has two sisters.

My mom is the youngest of six kids.

My dad had a brother.

I’ve learned a bit about family from watching the sibling interactions of my parents and husband and kids.

Too often negative examples have shaped my idea of family and what I don’t want for my kids. I want them to grow up in a loving, safe, open environment.

My mom’s siblings were not close and I witnessed too many arguments, physical and verbal, causing much emotional damage.

My father was not close to his younger brother and showed nothing but disapproval of his liberal lifestyle and refused to even attend his memorial when he died of a drug overdose.

My husband is not close to his sisters. The military separates our family physically but he chooses to not keep communication open since their parents have passed.

If I Had a Sibling - I want my children to grow up to be best friends.

If I had a sibling…I would love and cherish and respect her or him.

I’ve seen too many siblings who aren’t close and it’s sad. I grew up praying for sisters and brothers. It was lonely. Too many take siblings for granted, selfish.

I want my children to grow up to be best friends.

How can I accomplish this?

It takes more effort than just Bible study because using scripture as a weapon is not our style.

Royal Little Lambs

It takes a lot of work to have a good relationship with friends and family. We make time for what’s important.

We strive to have a healthy family culture.

Four Little Lambs

I love this particular brother-sister duo in our homeschool group. It’s apparent that they love and respect each other and their parents did it right. They’re sixteen and eighteen and are inseparable and affectionate. Their parents made choices and decisions for that to occur.

How to End Sibling Rivalry

Others First

I train my kids from early on to be servant leaders. So that means I strive to eliminate the me-first attitude. Our flesh wants attention and to be number one.

Just the other day, Kate got trampled in the mad rush for vitamin dispensing. I mean, who ever would have thought they would have to have a family meeting about throwing elbows and tripping a sister to be first in line to receive vitamins?

Two of my children are naturally more gentle and courteous and they only need occasional prodding to be polite to others in a group environment. They’re thoughtful and caring. My other two aren’t so much selfish as they are thoughtless. They just need more training to think of others before themselves.

I know too many adults who need training in empathy and caring for others.

It is the greatest compliment when someone tells me that my children are kind.

Taming Tongues

Our whole family continuously works on speaking kindly. We know the importance of words and using them positively. Our tone matters. The words we use have power and I want my family to speak love and life.

End of Summer

Too much of my childhood was spent crying over hurtful words and I don’t want to repeat those mistakes or have my kids continue that legacy.

This is an area we all constantly work on since there’s always room for improvement.

Together Time

Family time is important to us. We realize friends can teach us much, but family is forever and I want my four kids to be close as adults.

at the Seine

We eat meals together, usually homemade. Sharing dinnertime is important to us.

I don’t make them share everything. It’s important they each have something sacred to hold dear. Sometimes it’s a food treat or toy. Other times, it’s one on one time with me or Dad. They need to know they’re cherished as individuals too. I intervene at times so there is private time and private space at home. Tori and Kate share a bedroom and Alex’s bedroom holds most of the family toys, so there can be quarrels. Most of the time, they play and work together so well in tight quarters.

We travel together. Sure, it’s sometimes stressful and expensive, but it’s worth it. I want them to have great memories.

My Hearts

I always encourage them to forgive each other and work together. Learning how to really apologize helps. They will always have each other with their shared experiences and memories. I want them to learn to rely and lean on each other throughout their lives.

Success is hearing my teen say that she likes her younger siblings. She doesn’t understand how other families don’t get along well.

Wherever my children plant themselves, I want them to stretch tendrils to each other across the miles.

Linking up: A Life in Balance, Burlap and Babies, Enchanted Homeschooling Mom, B inspired Mama, Simple Life of a Fire Wife, xoxo Rebecca, Raising Homemakers, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Frogs Lilypad, She Lives Free, Time Warp Wife, A Bowl Full of Lemons, Your Home Based Mom, Home Stories A to Z, The Natural Homeschool, Happy and Blessed Home,

Sponsored by TOP Agency.

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Valentine Sensory Bin

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February 6, 2013 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

Sweet Sisters on Valentine’s Day playing with our Valentine’s Sensory Bin…

Katie gave Tori:

A blue heart jewel for Valentine’s Day.

Blue is her favorite color.
blue heart
It warms my heart when they play so sweetly together.
Follow Jennifer’s board Be My Valentine on Pinterest.

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Unusual Occurrence

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November 21, 2012 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

I don’t see this often enough.

These two are my quarrelers.

With each other. With their sisters.

So, this is the sweetest moment.

Sharing.

Snuggling.

Silent.

Except for the sounds emitting from the iPad.

A moment of peace.

Snuggling Siblings
Sweet Siblings
Snuggly Siblings
Peace with iPad
 
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Reading with Bubba

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August 22, 2012 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

Tori read Good Night, Gorilla to Alex (and Katie) since it’s G for Gorilla week for Tot School.

It was precious. He even has his gorilla pillow pet! aw! He was so cute and attentive. I love it.

Gorilla Storytime

Alex decided he needed some quiet time and started looking through his Bible books. He loves this Baby’s First Bible!

Babys First Bible

They’ve been in the basket for years and I love it that he’s finally discovering and enjoying them! He’s reading Baby’s First Prayers.

Babys First Prayers
 

What’s your baby’s favorite book?

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Moments to Remember

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April 3, 2012 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

I love seeing the children play and learn together. Tori and Katie almost always do everything together, but when Alex and Elizabeth can join in, it’s extra special.

The 3 littles took our cloud dough bin out in the yard since it was a gorgeous day.

Cloud Dough Recipe:

  • 8 Parts white flour
  • 1 Part baby oil
Sweet Siblings

I love how intent they are with digging and scooping in there.

Alex was actually being nice to sister Katie. They are my biggest fighters since they both want to be the baby. He is very earnest telling her that she can have a cup too, but she must follow his rules since it’s his bin. They loved playing in the rice with hospital room cups and trays. haha!

Rice Play

Elizabeth often conducts our read alouds, especially when it’s something she’s learning too. She still loves picture books. They were reading about space here in a book from the library. Rubeus the cat loves this time of snuggling.

Reading Time

Alex wanted to know what all the interest was with our space pop-up book.

Space Pop Up Book
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At the Playground

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January 16, 2012 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

Here is what we do on Tuesday afternoons while Elizabeth is at her piano and voice lessons (if the weather permits).

At the Playground!

Alex had a fit if his sisters didn’t rush over to hold hands and slide with him.
Sliding Together
He learned how to swing from the top bar. I about had a heart attack. Thanks, Tori, for teaching Alex that trick!

Ready to Slide
Such a happy boy!
Happy Boy
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