Eddie: Harold's Little Brother by Ed Koch and Pat Koch Thaler

Illustrated by James Warhola. 32 p., Putnam, 2004. When you want to be like someone you admire, you can sometimes miss noticing your own strengths. Eddie wants to be like his older brother, Harold, who is an excellent athlete. Harold is supportive, playing catch with Eddie, and insisting that other kids include Eddie on their baseball team. But Eddie just isn't good at sports, although after the games, he talks about them in great detail. Finally, Harold suggests that Eddie find something besides sports - something that he does well and loves doing. Eddie replies that he likes to talk, and Harold suggests that he compete in a public-speaking contest at school. He gives Eddie honest feedback about his strengths and limitations. And Eddie wins the public-speaking contest with a speech titled, "Doing What You Do Best." Harold is enormously proud of him. And Eddie grows up to use his strength in speaking to become a lawyer, and then mayor of New York City. With friendly watercolor illustrations, this story not only shows kids a wonderful example of a supportive relationship between siblings, but also encourages them to consider their own strengths. Ages 4-8