My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother (Aladdin Picture Books) [Paperback]

Patricia Polacco (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Aladdin Picture Books

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.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

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.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3-Featuring an obnoxious, freckle-faced, bespectacled boy and a comforting, tale-telling grandmother, this autobiographical story is as satisfying as a warm slice of apple pie. Patricia can't quite understand how anyone could possibly like her older brother Richard. Whether picking blackberries or eating raw rhubarb, he always manages to outdo her, rubbing it in with one of his "extra-rotten, weasel-eyed, greeny-toothed grins." When their Bubbie teaches Patricia to wish on a falling star, she knows just what to ask for. The next day her wish comes true; although dizzy, she remains on the carnival merry-go-round longer than Richard. Her nemesis turns into her hero, however, when she takes a spill and he carries her home. This warm-hearted look at a typical family relationship will strike a familiar chord with siblings of all ages. The endless "can so/cannot" arguments and the girl's total exasperation make the dialogue entertaining and realistic. Bubbie's musings are more poetic, adding a sense of wonder to the everyday tone of the text. Polacco's exuberant illustrations, done in marking pens and pencil, are filled with warmth and humor. Pointing angrily at one another or quietly cuddling against Bubbie's heart, the characters are carefully posed to reflect the story's varying moods. Barnyard animals provide an amusing backdrop to the children's antics, puckering their faces at the sour rhubarb and smiling sweetly at a tender moment. Black-and-white photographs of Patricia and Richie at different ages are scattered across the endpapers, adding the final touch to this endearing reminiscence.
Joy Fleishhacker, New York Public Library
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689820364
• ISBN-13: 978-0689820366
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #61,154 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( P ) > Polacco, Patricia

More About the Author

Born Patricia Ann Barber in Lansing, Michigan, to parents of Russian and Ukrainian descent on one side and Irish on the other, Patricia Polacco grew up in both California and Michigan. Her school year was spent in Oakland, California, and summers in her beloved Michigan. She describes her family members as marvelous storytellers. "My fondest memories are of sitting around a stove or open fire, eating apples and popping corn while listening to the old ones tell glorious stories about their homeland and the past. We are tenacious traditionalists and sentimentalists.... With each retelling our stories gain a little more Umph!"Studying in the United States and Australia, Patricia Polacco has earned an M.F.A. and a Ph. D. in art history, specializing in Russian and Greek painting, and iconographic history. She is a museum consultant on the restoration of icons. As a participant in many citizen exchange programs for writers and illustrators, Patricia Polacco has traveled extensively in Russia as well as other former Soviet republics. She continues to support programs that encourage Russo-American friendships and understanding. She is also deeply involved in inner-city projects here in the U.S. that promote the peaceful resolution of conflict and encourage art and literacy programs.The mother of a grown son and a daughter, Patricia Polacco currently resides in Michigan, where she has a glorious old farm that was built during the time of Lincoln.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant story of sibling rivalry !, March 11, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother (Aladdin Picture Books) (Paperback)

A great book that shows the relationships between brothers and sisters, both good and bad. The author Patricia Polacco writes about her and her own brother and how she had always wanted to beat him at some thing. Trying as hard as she can, she fails every time, until one day she wishes upon a star, and her relationship with her brother changes forever.
This book has unique and colorful illustrations that help to show the sibling rivalry between Patricia and her brother. A must read for sibling of any age, and even adults who haven't spoken to their brothers or sisters in a long time.
by Jordan Miller

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Patricia Polacco's best books, May 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother (Hardcover)

My daughter is a Patricia Polacco fan. She has read almost all the books Patricia Polacco has ever written. Rotten Red-Headed Older Brother is one of her favorites. Everyone can relate to a mean older sibling. Best of all, the book is based on the author's real brother.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Rotten Redheaded older Brother., January 19, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother (Aladdin Picture Books) (Paperback)

I loved this book! It was hilarious! Trisha has a very mean older brother named Richard. Richard could do everything better than Trisha. He could: sit the longest, burp the loudest, get the dirtiest, run the fastest, climb the highest, and throw the farthest. Trisha was so angry! She wanted to be better at something than Richard. When she saw a shooting star she wished for something she could do better.
Her wish comes true-but you'll have to read the book to find out how!
Patricia Palacco is a great story teller. Sometimes she writes funny books and sometimes she writes sad and thoughtful books. All of her books are great!
by Rachel from Stockbridge Central School.