Sona Sharma: Very Best Big Sister by Chitra Sounder is a totally adorable young reader chapter book. With vibrant illustrations, this is a gentle read for those just starting to get into chapter books.

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The summary, from Amazon:

Can Sona be the best big sister ever when she’s not sure she even wants a baby sister or brother? Brimming with warmth and charm, this story set in India will resonate with new older siblings everywhere.

Sona Sharma’s house is full of three generations of people who joke often and argue sometimes. Relatives come over unannounced, the phone rings frequently, and friends drop by all the time. Then one day Amma tells Sona that she is going to have a baby. Is that good? Sona isn’t so sure. She doesn’t want to share her room or her things with a new baby, not to mention the attention of Amma, Appa, Thatha, and Paatti. And despite Amma’s assurance that the sky always has room for new stars, Sona doesn’t feel stretchy or bighearted like the sky. But when she learns there will be a baby-naming ceremony, she’s determined to find the best name for her new brother or sister—one as nice as her own, a Hindi word for “gold.” Perfectly pitched to young readers, this tale of warming up to change is followed by a glossary of words from India to explore in the story.

Buy Sona Sharma: Very Best Big Sister here.

So many kids understand the conflicting feelings of becoming a big sibling. Sona lives in a three generation household and maintains close relationships with grandparents on both sides of the family. She has always been the family baby, but now her parents are having another child. Sona feels very unsure about this. She doesn’t want to share her room or her things, even if those things are clothes that haven’t fit her in years. She especially doesn’t want to share the affection and attention from her loved ones. But when it comes time to name the baby in a traditional ceremony, Sona begins taking pride in her big sisterhood.
I loved that this book included a Tamil glossary in the back. There was also a ton of humor. It was sweet how Sona confided in her stuffed animal Elephant and had conversations with it. I also loved that her family referred to one grandmother as the President and that this formidable lady was described as having “breakable glass and unbreakable rules.” This was truly an enjoyable read and I wonder if we’ll get more in this series.

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Sona Sharma, Very Best Big SisterSona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister by Chitra Soundar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a sweet, fun read!

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Book Club Questions

  1. Are you a big sibling? What did it feel like when you found out you would become a big sibling, or what do you think it would feel like?
  2. Do you think Sona is a good big sister? Why or why not?
  3. Why is it important to share?

Interested? Buy Sona Sharma: Very Best Big Sister.
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peacefully reading