Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

In This Book is Mine! by Ron Keres, readers meet Finn the Frog, who is excited about a visit from his little sister, Fifi. He’s used to having his own space and routines, but now he faces the lively interruptions that only a loud, exuberant sibling can bring. The story unfolds with warmth, laying out the mishaps that ensue, such as those involving pizza or favorite chairs. Through playful banter, lighthearted disagreements, and moments of introspection, the siblings rediscover the joy of sharing, forgiving, and making new memories together. This storybook explores themes of sibling rivalry, acceptance, and family bonds in a way that resonates with children and anyone who has had to share with a sibling or with anyone in general.

From an educator’s perspective, This Book is Mine! by Ron Keres is a delightful read-aloud that taps into the universal appeal of animal characters, along with a topic children can easily understand: family. There’s an easy, natural rhythm to the writing; Finn's and Fifi’s voices are so distinctive that you can almost hear them bickering and laughing in your head. The whole story is also engaging and should keep children entertained. The illustrations by Arthur Lin are colorful, expressive, and capture both the comedy and warmth of the story. This picture book is a valuable classroom resource, providing a straightforward approach to sparking discussions about sharing and understanding emotions. After reading, students could create “kindness chains,” adding a paper link each time someone shows generosity or empathy. Ultimately, This Book is Mine! turns a simple sibling squabble into a funny, relatable lesson that helps kids recognize how kindness can be just as contagious as laughter.