Queen of the World [Hardcover]

Thomas F. Yezerski (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

What Mom really wants for her birthday

Three sisters who have nothing in common but the room that they share are bound to argue. And they do--about everything. To settle, once and for all, which sister is the Queen of the World, they have a contest: whoever makes Mom the best birthday present wins. But things don't work out as they'd planned, and instead they end up making their mom cry -- on her birthday. They feel awful, until they figure out that what mom would really like is something that the three of them have to work on together -- getting along, that is. In this humorous story with delightful pictures of sibling rivalry in action, Thomas F. Yezerski shows that if you're family, you always have something important in common.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3-Three young sisters are in constant conflict-each determined to be the smartest, prettiest, strongest, or "just plain best" of the family. Their parents reassure them that they are loved exactly the same, but the battles continue. Their mother's birthday provides an opportunity for a definitive competition-whoever makes the best present wins the Queen of the World crown and reigns supreme "Forever-with no taking it back." The siblings' arguments escalate at the birthday supper until their mother begins to cry. They finally put aside their differences and work cooperatively to show how much they love her. Told from the middle child's perspective, the family dynamics are realistic and children will relate to the sisters' feuding: "-Amanda touched me with her knee, and I had to pinch her under the table. Then Natalie flung a crouton at me for no reason." Yezerski's pen-and-watercolor illustrations are brimming with domestic details, from the toy-strewn bedroom to the refrigerator covered in family photographs. The conflicts are conveyed with warmth and humor, making this a good choice for discussing sibling rivalry.
Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 4-8. Oh, how some siblings will see themselves in this! The unnamed narrator has two sisters (Amanda is older, Natalie is younger), and they don't get along. Whether it's sharing a room, or vying for their parents' attention, the girls argue about everything: who's the prettiest, who's smartest, and that old standby, whom does Mom like best. Unfortunately, when Mom's birthday comes around, she doesn't like any of them very much; their constant one-upmanship ruins her party and leaves her in tears. Now, the girls spring into action, finally working together to make the day after Mom's birthday special. The story's familiar charm is elevated by the right-on-target watercolor art, and children will have to do more than just listen to the story if they want to appreciate all the goings-on--big details and small are disclosed in the pictures. So are the ever-changing moods of the sisters: Yezerski gets all those dirty looks, moody moments, and, finally, the familial friendliness just right. Even children whose siblings are boys will relate to this. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); 1st edition (September 19, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374361657
• ISBN-13: 978-0374361655
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,456,502 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A tender story about very real siblings, April 4, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Queen of the World (Hardcover)

I loved this book! The kids are so real, the parents' reactions are right on the money and the illustrations are warm and cozy. It's true-to-life and reassuring. Share it with a young person you love.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Real world sisters!, September 20, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Queen of the World (Hardcover)

FINALLY! A book about sisters that doesn't sugar-coat reality! This book is endearing as it strikes a chord for anyone who has really lived life with a sibling. While being true to real life sisterhood, the book still gives a wonderful lesson about life. The illustrations further enhance the book with details that will remind almost anyone of some memorable instance in their own life. This book will be a classic!

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!, March 5, 2007

By 

Ciocia Kim (Livonia, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Queen of the World (Hardcover)

I have 3 daughters, like the family in this book. This book is a realistic look at a 3-girl-family. It's also a good reminder for kids to not take their parents for granted, but it does it in a gentle way; it doesn't hit you over the head. It also shows how to think about others before yourself. My kids and I adore this book.