Warning: My little sister has been here…and she’s left a trail of destruction along the way.

So don’t be surprised if you encounter scribbles or drawings or stickers pasted on the pages of this book. After all, it’s what little sisters do best. On top of that she blew out my birthday candles and never stops talking. She is really annoying. Is there anything good about having a little sister?

In a letter to her younger sister, an older sister narrates a medley of childhood memories, realizing that they share a special bond and have always been there for each other. Playful, childlike illustrations work seamlessly with the text in this tender and humorous exploration of sister dynamics and the universal experience of sibling relationships.

Joana Estrela is a Portuguese author and illustrator with a degree in communication design from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Porto. Her picture books and graphic novels for young people have been translated into several languages. In 2016 her book Mana won the first SERPA International Award for Picture Books. Joana lives in Brussels.

Joana Estrela's profile page

Daniel Hahn is an award-winning writer, editor and translator with over ninety books to his name. His translations (from Portuguese, Spanish and French) include fiction and nonfiction for adults and children, from Europe, Africa and the Americas. He works with a range of organizations that support literature, reading and free expression. In 2020 he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to literature.

Daniel Hahn's profile page

“This heartwarming story celebrates sisters and is relatable to all who have a younger or older sibling. Children are reminded to not take their siblings for granted…Estrela’s book is sure to become a household favorite in any home with multiple children.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“A comically believable depiction of the mixed emotions of older siblings.”

School Library Journal (SLJ)

“Estrela captures the intricacies of the sibling bond…Readers with a sibling will laugh, ruefully; those without will feel both regret and relief at what they’re missing.”

Kirkus Reviews

“In both text and art, My Sister and Me is an authentic voice that not only conveys the challenges and everyday moments of childhood but reveals that the connection between sisters is also a relationship of love. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“The illustrations, mirroring the drawing capabilities of most children, can provide a model to encourage students to draw a detailed picture of just “one moment”…Readers will recognize the many ways that a younger sibling can be considered an alien or someone you would swear to never speak to again.”

Canadian Teacher Magazine