| Ling & Ting Not Exactly the Same |
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What You Need to Know:
• While twins are the main characters, the lessons about individuality, cooperation and kindness are relevant to all
children.
• The six short stories can either be read together as one or each can readily stand alone.
• There are subtle connections between each amusing story that tie them together nicely in the end.
• There are no complicated issues that require further explanation by an adult.
• The illustrations are simple and colorful, and provide visual cues to the newest readers to help them follow along with
the story. Look closely and you will see that they also provide subtle hints to author, Grace Lin’s other books
including The Year of the Rat and The Year of the Dog.
• There are some references to the girls’ Chinese background, including chopsticks and dumplings. |
Sweet Book Summary:
Ling and Ting are twin girls who are often told that they look exactly the same, but, as the reader learns, the girls themselves would disagree. In each of the short stories, the girls manage to express their individuality while maintaining their strong connection. Not always an easy balance to manage. In addition to that, they do it with charm and humor.
In each story, the girls are doing something that any reader will relate to, like getting a haircut, going to the library or practicing magic. They work things out on their own, solving problems without the help of any adults. The girls are strong and confident in their own opinions without trying to influence the other. They are kind and accepting of each other’s choices so that each can feel special in their own way. The girls are funny too. When Ting sees Ling wearing a magic hat that is too large for her, she asks “Can you use your magic to get a smaller hat?” While the story will certainly help twins to have a better understanding of the challenges that such a situation poses to them on a daily basis, all children will benefit from the subtle lessons delivered by Ling and Ting in this book. Readers will see how any two children who are not always the same and who sometimes disagree, can get along beautifully because they care about each other. |
Author: Grace Lin Illustrator: Grace Lin Published: 2010, 48 pages
Themes: Character/Values, Cooperation, Humor, Identity, Individuality, Siblings |
| This recommendation was written by: Melissa G. |
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Capture the Flag
