There is no theme to connect What Are Sisters For? And How to Hug a Pufferfish, other than both are fun new books to get for your collection.
Anya Glazer illustrated and wrote What Are Sisters For? I personally would say: to blame for things that you did; trade for chocolate cookies; and cut the fuzz out of your favorite koala bears ears (not really a plus, though). And speaking of koalas, we have two koala sisters, Ada and Bea. Ada the older, always has an answer sister and Bea the sister with the questions at the read. A lot of questions. And Ada enjoys her big sister role until the day the two of them get lost in the forest. Unsure of how to get home, Ada must learn that sometimes little sisters have an answer or two and it is okay to say that “you do not know all the answers.”
In mid-April 2022 How to Hug a Pufferfish will grace the shelves. This picture book not only gives you a few facts about pufferfish, it teaches about body autonomy. Who would not want to hug a cute pufferfish? Well, that is all fine and dandy, but sometimes the pufferfish would rather fin-bump. And they do not like to be startled. Not to mention they might not want to show you affection the same way you do. You need to ask the pufferfish their mood, how do they want to show caring and if they need space, you need to honor that. Ellie Peterson’s modern story might just become a classic.
Both illustrations are adorable and sweet. There are hidden gems, and with Pufferfish you learn as much from them as you do the text. Most ages five and up are fine to have this read to them, but slightly young (especially with Pufferfish) would be okay.