Take Two!

K-Gr 5—Divided into four sections, this colorfully illustrated compendium of poems highlights different aspects of a very special sibling relationship. "Twins in the Waiting Womb" contains offerings dealing with parental expectations and preparations as well as the babies' in utero experience. With titles like "From Here to Maternity" and "Sing a Song of Sonogram," these selections may have the most meaning for adults. However, the next two groupings, which make up the bulk of the book, are a-twinkle with child appeal. Topics treated in "Twinfants" include "Very First Words" ("Me./You./One./Two./Mine./Twin./I win"), taking one's "First Steps" ("Hold on to the table,/The back of the chair,/And I'll be there./I'll be there"), and the unique perspective of a "Mirror Twin" ("I wave, you wave./I smile, you laugh./I wink, you blink./You leave—I'm half"). Focusing on older sibling pairs, "How to Be One" underscores the benefits and challenges of twin relationships such as dealing with similarities and differences, bickering and making up, and pulling the old "Twin Switcheroo game" on Dad. The final section showcases famous twins such as "Conjoined" Chang and Eng Bunker and provides a look at the yearly festival in "Twinsburg, Ohio." From lighthearted to thoughtful, rhythmic to balladic, the verses are appealingly varied in mood and style. Whimsical and delightfully detailed, Blackall's bright-hued watercolor, pencil, and collage illustrations depict charismatic youngsters and reflect each offering's tone. A "Twin Fact" appears on each spread. A fine share-aloud for families with twins and kids who are curious about them.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal