Most Beloved Sister

"Now I'll tell you a secret that no one knows except me: I have a twin sister." If this sounds like an imaginary friend story, it is! But Most Beloved Sister, written in 1949 by Pippi creator Astrid Lindgren and illustrated in the 1970s by Hans Arnold, is as enchanting an imaginary-friend story as they come. Arnold's gorgeous, color-drenched, child-friendly illustrations depict a lush, whimsical world, crawling with horn-snouted, bug-eyed creatures, hidden palaces, and benign dwarves. Barbara and her twin sister, Lalla-Lee, have many splendid adventures, speak a special language (the rosebush where Lalla-Lee lives is called Salikon), frolic in the Golden Hall, ride through the Great Horrible Forest... But what happens to Lalla-Lee when a new poodle puppy comes to live with Barbara's family? This original picture-book classic is a longish read-aloud, but the lively story of the lonely girl and her glorious flights of fancy is sure to captivate young readers. Highly recommended! (Ages 3 to 7) --Karin Snelson