Twins! [Hardcover]

Elaine Scott (Author), Margaret Miller (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1998 | Age Level: 3 and up

In recent years twinhood has become increasingly common. Here's a book not only for twins but for other children who will encounter twins so frequently. There are ways in which twins are alike, and ways in which they are absolutely different. This is a warm and informative look at the lives of a few young twins, both fraternal and identical, that explores some of the special joys and difficulties of being a twin. An author's note will help parents to explain the miracle of twins book to twins to curious young friends.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2AWelcome to a world in which there is "twice as much fun, twice as much work, and twice as much love to go around." With a simple text and large, full-color pictures, this appealing photo-essay introduces several young twins and their families. Scott clarifies the difference between identical and fraternal twins, touches on the feelings of older siblings, explains that some twins like to dress alike while others prefer different clothing, stresses the importance of time alone with a parent, and makes it clear that it is just as difficult for twins to learn to share as it is for other children. The even-handed tone and occasional questions will make readers feel involved in the text. A note to parents offers more information and suggestions for using the book with youngsters. Personalities and relationships come shining through in Miller's crystal-clear portraits and action shots. The images are framed with colored borders and set against pleasing pastel backgrounds with subtle graphic patterns in slightly darker shades. With its emphasis on the idea that all children are unique, this eye-catching celebration of multiples makes a good choice for family sharing.AJoy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 3^-8. Clear, colorful photographs of twins in action will draw children to this appealing photo-essay. Using just a few simple sentences per page, the text introduces subjects such as fraternal and identical twins, dressing alike and differently, siblings of twins, and sharing toys. In the last few pages, Scott's "Parents Note" explains that the book is intended not just for families with twins, but for all children. She discusses how to talk with young children about twinship and suggests ways to discuss the uniqueness of every child, including twins. With the increasing frequency of multiple births, many children know or see twins in their schools and communities, so this well-designed book is an excellent resource for parents and teachers to have on hand. Carolyn Phelan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689803478
• ISBN-13: 978-0689803475
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,833,791 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for children, but fraternal twins deserve better, May 17, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Twins! (Hardcover)

The photos and kid content in this book are simple and wonderful. It is a great book to show young children, as they start to ask questions and become more aware of twins in their class, or try to understand their own twinship.

I'd read (with some editing) the book to my preschoolers - and it is probably worth purchasing for the pictures alone - but I wouldn't want adults to read it and take what she says as gospel.

As a parent of fraternal twin boys, I have a strong objection to some of the author's comments in the parent's note, especially as it applies to her poorly researched understanding of fraternal twins. I felt her comments perpetuate a general lack of understanding in our society as to what defines a twin, which makes it harder to dispel the myths and attitudes parents of multiples face when trying to make decisions that effect their children, such as whether to separate twins in school, etc.

I found it especially troubling when the author stated "and the truth is, fraternal twins are no more alike than any other siblings-they simply share a birth date." At another point, when explaining fraternal twins, the author states "these children are really no more alike than other brothers and sisters who arrive one at a time." These statements are simply not true, and take a very simplistic, and inaccurate view of what twins are, as if their looks are what define them.

Fraternal twins do not "simply" share the same birthdate, and by virtue of the experiences they share and their unique world view, they typically are much more alike than siblings who arrive one at a time. More and more of the scientific research supports this notion, and shows that twins hold a unique bond which is very different than typical sibling relationships, whether the twins are mono-zygotic or di-zygotic.

My guess is that the author is not the parent of twins (as I have never read or heard any parent of fraternal twins say that they are simply siblings who share the same birthdate) and that the author's note to parents at the end is her own "common sense" approach that many naively take, without really knowing what they are talking about.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Down to earth, pleasant book, March 23, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Twins! (Hardcover)

Twins! shows twins and their families in various activities realting to their twinness. The photographs are colorful and exude a sense of joy, while the parent/adult information section at the back may be of interest to the non-children reading the book.