My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother: With Audio Recording

by Patricia Polacco, Patricia Polacco (Illustrator)

Overview

There's nothing worse than a rotten redheaded older brother who can do everything you can do better! Patricia's brother Richard could run the fastest, climb the highest, and spit the farthest and still smile his extra-rotten, greeny-toothed, weasel-eyed grin. But when little Patricia wishes on a shooting star that she could do something—anything—to show him up, she finds out just what wishes—and rotten redheaded older brothers—can really do. Patricia Polacco's boldly and exuberantly painted pictures tell a lively and warmhearted tale of comic one-upsmanship and brotherly love.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442443303
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Publication date:	06/28/2011
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
Lexile:	AD630L (what's this?)
File size:	19 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Patricia Polacco belongs to a family of storytellers, poets, farmers, teachers, and artists. They came from many parts of the world, but mainly Russia. She grew up to be an illustrator, a designer, and creator of many beloved children’s books, including The Keeping Quilt, The Blessing Cup, Fiona’s Lace, The Trees of the Dancing Goats, Babushka’s Doll, My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother, Sticks and Stones, and Palace of Books. She lives in Union City, Michigan. Visit her at PatriciaPolacco.com and follow her on Facebook.

Editorial Reviews

A girl burdened with a bratty big brother tries to do something, anything, better than he can. "The text rings true with the authentic battling words of childhood spats," said PW. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

PreS-Gr 3—Patricia Polacco's laugh-out-loud autobiographical tale (S & S, 1994) about sibling rivalry offers an intimate glimpse into the author's experiences growing up on a small farm in Union City, Michigan, during the 1940s. The tale begins with Polacco introducing her beloved babushka, better know as Bubbie, who fans will recognize from her other books. Though young Tricia is in awe of her Bubbie's poetic ability to point out the subtle wonders of life, she is at a loss as to how her loving Hungarian grandmother can tolerate her annoying older brother Richard who can do everything better. So when the traveling carnival comes to town, Trisha vows to finally outdo Richard by riding the carousel longer. Their childish arguments and competition continue throughout the story, until Tricia eventually faints from riding the carousel a bit too long. When Richard carries her home and runs to fetch the doctor, Tricia begins to see her brother in a new light. Through humorous situations and dialogue, listeners discover that a strong bond exists beneath the siblings' endless bickering. Polacco reads slowly in an animated tone, but does not give each character a unique voice. Since the story is told from the point of view of a young girl, perhaps a younger narrator would have been a better choice. Still, this is a very enjoyable tale about the relationship between siblings.—Christine Johanson, Mahopac Central School District, NY

School Library Journal

Polacco's story of her childhood rivalry with her brother Richard harks back to growing up with grandparents in Union City, Michigan, and catches competition at gut level. Her grandmother, Bubbie, whom readers will recognize from other Polacco books, doesn't seem to know how rotten Richard is. Polacco conveys the passionate intensity of conflict--trying to pick more berries, eat more rhubarb, and stay on the merry-go-round longer--as well as the abiding love beneath it. The figures of the children are intense and full of motion, and the facial expressions are beautifully accomplished. Surrounding it all are Babushka-clad Bubbie's comforting love and warm hugs.

Mary Harris Veeder