Mi hermano (My Brother)

Children's Literature

This book from Auld's "Conoce la Familia" series introduces young readers to the meaning of having a brother. Through posed and candid photographs of different families, readers learn that brothers can be older or younger than they are, or that they can be twins. The definition of half-siblings and stepsiblings is made clear through images of blended families. If these textual explanations of family relations do not suffice, Auld includes a genealogical tree at the end of the book so that readers may visually learn the links between different family members. Unfortunately, the tree does not include a model of a blended family, so children in such families may have a difficult time drawing their own trees when prompted by the book. Besides defining relationships, Auld's book shows that siblings can have fun with each other and be friendly. In this way, the book is an example of good family relations. Unfortunately, the series of books is poorly designed and look like textbooks. Likewise, the books consist entirely of definitions and lack plot or characters. This fact could be forgiven if the content were compelling, but the material in six books could just as easily be conveyed by teachers or parents using a book featuring an extended family. Auld's books are dull and only engage when they directly ask the reader what his family is like. 2004 (orig. 2003), Gareth Stevens Publishing, Ages 3 to 8.
—Veronica Betancourt