My Big Brother JJ
What’s inside...
J.J. must baby-sit his little sister for a week while their mother is at work. The siblings have fun together doing different things each day, and on the last day they decide to paint a mural on the garden shed. Just when they're finishing, little sister has an accident and paint spills everywhere. When Mom arrives, she is horrified by the mess, that is until she notices the mural.
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the little sibling feels about having a big brother like JJ?
What are some ways JJ shows that he cares for his little sibling in the story?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone like JJ helps his sibling?
What would you do if you were in JJ’s place in the story?
How does the story of JJ and his sibling make you feel about your family or friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the sibling relationship portrayed in the book, relating it to their own experiences.
Discuss the responsibilities and joys of having siblings, drawing parallels to the characters in the book.
Use expressions and emotions shown in the book to talk about empathy and understanding between siblings.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or adventures for JJ and his sibling, fostering creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story illustrates how the younger sibling learns to understand JJ’s feelings and perspectives, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to consider the feelings of their peers and siblings, improving their interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: JJ is portrayed as a responsible big brother who looks after his younger sibling, highlighting the importance of responsibility in family settings.
Real-World Application: Children can take on small responsibilities at home, such as helping with chores or caring for pets, to emulate JJ’s responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, the siblings work together to solve problems and play games, showcasing the value of cooperation.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in group activities at school or in play, encouraging children to work collaboratively and supportively with others.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Differences
Explanation: JJ and his sibling have different interests and strengths, but they learn to appreciate and celebrate these differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and value the unique qualities of their friends and classmates, promoting an inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Love and Family Bonds
Explanation: The story underscores the unconditional love between the siblings despite occasional disagreements, stressing the importance of strong family bonds.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to express love and appreciation for their family members, strengthening familial relationships and ensuring a supportive home environment.