Title: Hey Sis! Hey Bro! Celebrating the Sibling Bond
Written By: Deepa Agarwal
Illustrated By: Meera Raichura
Publisher: Scholastic India Pvt. Ltd.
Type: Paperback
No. of Pages: 156 pages
Recommended age: 8-12 years
This book is a collection of ten heart-touching stories exploring the love-hate relationship a.k.a. bonding between siblings. Deepa Agarwal has authored a wide range of genres including mythology, history, and themes of equality and friendship. The stories in this book span from mythology to modern era of medical advancements and evolving social awareness. I have never read a book that captures such a diverse range of sibling relationships. You will find themes of larger age gap, adoption, sis-sis duo, bro-bro duo, caring for sibling with medical needs, jealousy and many more.
I have two daughters of 8 and 12 years. All of us have read these stories multiple times – sometimes alone and sometimes with the family. My younger one is actually the youngest amongst her cousins and she loves to read these stories when any of them visit us. The fourth story, ‘The Henna Boys’, has been published in multiple books already. I was curious to know what makes it so special. Now that we have read the story, I must say that one story itself is worth reading multiple times. Rani’s family faces financial struggles. Her 16 and 12 year old brothers – the henna boys, are trying to earn enough for clothes, food and education for Rani. Her Mausi, who is considerably well-off, wants to adopt her. On a stormy night, while the brothers could manage to save the plastic roof of their shanty, they wonder if it’s better for Rani to take up Maus’s offer to lead a comfortable life. The story says a lot about the unique experience that only books can offer.
My younger one is closely observing her sister entering into teenage and here’s what she understood from the stories:
- When your sibling is a teenager, they think they are always right. Their behavior might give you an impression of not being loved. When they don’t listen, you may feel like you don’t belong. But in reality, you are most precious to them.
- The more siblings fight, the more they love each other. When you are in real trouble, your sibling will help you.
- Sibling’s love is unconditional, who they are or how they behave doesn’t matter at all.
- Being cranky is not a wise choice in difficult times. Even if the place is creepy, you should always be supportive of your cousins.
Both my daughters were amazed to learn about the power of Rakhi after reading the story of Alexander the Great’s wife, Roxana, who sent a Rakhi to Porus.
My elder one admires illustrations by Meera Raichura and mentions that the stories have meaningful closures. Sharing the review in her own words:
It is an extremely inspiring book with series of stories enfolding the true bond between siblings. A sibling could be a real headache but not having them around would gives you a heartache. Siblings entertain each other and have each other’s back at all the times. I like to read funny, mythological and mysterious books. First, I read the story of Yama and Yamuna, the story of ‘Bhai Dooj’ festival. It tells us how both of them could never be separated. I loved ‘The Ghost Hunters’ the most, because it is funny and has a ghost. There are many stories showcasing both collaboration and jealousy between siblings. Few stories portray the elder sibling’s urge for freedom and sense of responsibility. The best part is having multiple interwoven themes in each story. The first story ‘Who Is Better?’ is a must read for children who perform better than their sibling. The story conveys how comparison may not be meaningful when two siblings have different personalities and interests. In other words, “Do not let the sense of superiority flatter you, and never look down on your sibling.”
I strongly recommend this book to children with elder siblings. The book will help them understand their sibling’s position and their unseen yet unwavering love, better. It is a lovely treasury of well-crafted stories to gift. A few of our cousins like to carry it with them on their travels.
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