April 10 – National Siblings Day

About the Holiday

Today we honor the special bond that brothers and sisters share! Whether you’re celebrating with your own siblings or creating a special day for your children to show their appreciation for each other, today is for remembering and making memories to be cherished. Today, take time to reach out to your own siblings and enjoy togetherness at home!

My Sister, Goose

Written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli | Illustrated by Hyewon Yum

 

When it comes to dressing, Miranda knows her little sister Goose (real name, Graciela Rose) is a free spirit. But a bathing suit at school? Chunky heels at the playground? A tutu in the snow? Goose’s flashy first choices often leave Miranda astonished. But she loves her little sister, and her little sister really, really loooves her clothes. What’s a big sister to do?

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Hyewon Yum. Text copyright © 2026 by Alyssa Satin Capucilli. Courtesy of Hippo Park.

Miranda knows! She gently makes suggestions: something to cover the suit? Goose tries on different looks until one is just right and they run off hand-in-hand to the school bus. A different pair of shoes, perhaps? “But I love them . . .” Goose says, doing a little tap dance, but she admits she can climb and “run fast” in her fancy sneakers. Another great choice! Miranda tells her.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Hyewon Yum. Text copyright © 2026 by Alyssa Satin Capucilli. Courtesy of Hippo Park.

All this dressing up points to something else Miranda loves about her sister: her “really big imagination.” Like when they play “Bubble Queen” in the bathtub, complete with frothy crowns for both of them. And when Goose crawls, gallops, and dances in her zebra costume even though bedtime gets delayed and delayed and . . . . Still, Miranda imagines that “Goose had wonderful dreams about zebras that night.”

Sometimes, Goose’s outfits are so perfectly amazing the first time that Miranda asks for fashion advice. She knows, of course, that whatever Goose chooses will be extraordinary—just like her little sister!

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Hyewon Yum. Text copyright © 2026 by Alyssa Satin Capucilli. Courtesy of Hippo Park.

There’s so much to love about Alyssa Satin Capucilli’s My Sister, Goose. No sibling rivalry, no tears. Just mutual love, support, and appreciation. Even though Goose’s first inclinations sometimes leave her big sister flabbergasted, Miranda patiently guides her to find her own more practical outfits. Miranda also applauds Goose’s sense of adventure and imagination. While practicality is often appropriate, one of Capucilli’s greatest gifts in this book is Miranda’s openness to embracing her sister’s quirkiness and joining in her free-wheeling, creative, self-expression. Through the sisters’ dialogue, Capucilli models positive language that encourages instead of discouraging individuality among siblings. Capucilli’s first-person storytelling also emphasizes Miranda’s admiration for her little sister. 

Hyewon Yum’s charming colored pencil illustrations accentuate the loving relationship between Miranda and Goose with plenty of shared smiles, hand-holding, and hugs at home and away. Miranda’s initial reactions to Goose’s outfits are realistic and humorous, making her patience and thoughtful help all the more authentic. Kids will eagerly anticipate each of Goose’s outfits, which are all adorable and as colorful as she is. 

Full of humor and heart, My Sister, Goose is a joyful portrayal of sisterly love that both adults and kids will adore sharing again and again. The book would make a perfect addition to any library collection. 

Ages 4 – 8

Hippo Park, 2026 | ISBN 978-1662640995

Alyssa Satin Capucilli is the award-winning creator and author of the Katy Duck series and the bestselling Biscuit series, which has sold over twenty-four million copies. A dancer as well as a writer, she lives with her family in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Visit her at alyssasatincapucilli.com.

Hyewon Yum is an author and illustrator of many picture books, including Grandpa Across the Ocean and The Twins’ Blanket. Her book Saturday Is Swimming Day was named as a Charlotte Zolotow Award Honor and Mom, It’s My First Day of Kindergarten! received the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator award. She also illustrated Ode to a Bad DayNot PerfectLuli and the Language of Tea, and many more. She was born and grew up in Seoul, Korea. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family. Visit her at hyewon-yum.squarespace.com.

Meet Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Spend a moment with author Alyssa Satin Capucilli as she talks about the inspiration behind My Sister, Goose!

National Siblings Day Activity

Dress-Up Craft

 

With this easy craft you can make a fun sheath dress for playing dress-up. It’s also a great party activity! All you need is a plastic or paper party table cloth, Sharpies, and your imagination!

Supplies

  • 1 plastic party tablecloth (1 cloth will most likely make 4 dresses) or a pillow case
  • Sharpies or other permanent markers
  • Ribbon, scarf, crepe paper garland, or other material for a belt
  • Scissor
  • Newspaper, old sheeting, or other material to protect the crafting surface 

Directions

  1. Fold the table cloth in half. The folded edge will become the dress’s shoulder. Cut a rectangle through both layers the appropriate size for your child
  2. In the middle of the folded edge cut a V-shaped or rounded opening for the child’s head. Begin with a small opening and enlarge it as needed
  3. Lay the dress on newspaper or other material to protect the crafting surface
  4. Draw and color shapes, lines, figures, or other designs on the dress
  5. Add a belt, ribbon, or scarf to complete the look!

You can purchase My Sister Goose from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

December 9 – International Day of Veterinary Medicine

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-biscuit-visits-the-doctor-cover

About the Holiday

Our pets are our best friends, and we show them how much we love them by making sure they’re healthy and happy. One major way to do this is to take them for regular visits to their veterinarian. Today’s holiday celebrates all of those doctors dedicated to ensuring that the furry friends in our lives have the best care possible. If you have a pet, why not send your veterinarian a quick Thank You email to tell them how much you appreciate all they do.

Biscuit Visits the Doctor

Written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli | Illustrated by Pat Schories

 

It’s time for Biscuit to have a checkup. The little girl gets out Biscuit’s leash, and Biscuit happily goes along to the veterinarian’s office. There a bunny, a gerbil, and a parrot are also waiting to see Doctor Green, who “cares for many different animals” and “makes sure they are all healthy and strong.” Soon it is Biscuit’s turn to see the doctor.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-biscuit-visits-the-doctor-going-to-the-vet

Image copyright Pat Schories, 2008, text copyright Alyssa Satin Capucilli, 2008. Courtesy of HarperCollins.

Doctor Green examines Biscuit’s paws and listens to Biscuit’s heart. “Woof, woof! Woof, woof!” says Biscuit. As Biscuit sits quietly, Dr. Green peers into Biscuit’s ears, eyes, and mouth. Then the little girl tells Biscuit, “‘You must hold still when Dr. Green gives you a shot, Biscuit. She wants you to stay healthy and strong too.’” After the shot, Biscuit wants to play! “‘It’s not time to roll over now!’” the little girl says. “‘Silly puppy!’”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-biscuit-visits-the-doctor-at-the-office

Image copyright Pat Schories, 2008, text copyright Alyssa Satin Capucilli, 2008. Courtesy of HarperCollins.

For being such a great patient, Dr. Green has a special treat for Biscuit. “‘Woof, woof!’” says Biscuit before gobbling down the bone-shaped cookie. Then Biscuit has a “special treat for Dr. Green. It’s a big kiss!” Biscuit’s checkup is over and it’s time to go home, but Biscuit has gone exploring. What is behind the curtain in the next examining room?

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-biscuit-visits-the-doctor-parrot

Image copyright Pat Schories, 2008, text copyright Alyssa Satin Capucilli, 2008. Courtesy of HarperCollins.

It’s a mother cat and her three kittens! Biscuit says hello with a “‘Woof, woof!’” “Mew, mew, mew,” they answer. The little girl and her mother head home as Biscuit leads the way. “‘It was fun to visit with our friend Dr. Green,’” the little girl says. “‘And meet some new friends too.’” Biscuit agrees with a “Woof!’” 

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-biscuit-visits-the-doctor-meeting-vet

Image copyright Pat Schories, 2008, text copyright Alyssa Satin Capucilli, 2008. Courtesy of HarperCollins.

Alyssa Satin Capucilli’s beloved Biscuit series helps young readers understand exactly what will happen when they take their pets to the veterinarian. Capucilli’s straightforward storytelling, lively dialogue, and plenty of tail-wagging “woofs” from Biscuit reflect the sweet, caring relationship that little ones have with their pets. 

Pat Schorie’s bright illustrations give readers a close-up view of what a visit to a veterinarian entails. Children will see that a trip to the doctor for their dog, cat, or other furry friend is much like their own checkups, which offers a source of familiarity and comfort for children who may have questions.  Biscuit is playfully adorable, and young readers will be intrigued to see what is behind the curtain.

Biscuit Visits the Doctor is a great book to pick up before any pet’s check-up to share the experience with children.

Ages 2 – 8

Harper Festival, 2008 |ISBN 978-0061128431

Discover more about Alyssa Satin Capucilli and all of her books on her website.

Learn more about Pat Schories and view a gallery of illustration work on her website.

International Day of Veterinary Medicine Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-vets-coloring-page

Your Pet Loves the Vet! Coloring Page

 

Veterinarians love helping your pet, and your pet loves the care and attention vets show them! Grab your colored pencils or crayons and enjoy this printable Your Pet Loves the Vet! Coloring Page.

Picture Book Review