Can You Do This?

Michael Wagner

Heath McKenzie

ABC Books, 2021

32pp., hbk., RRP $A19.99

9780733335723

No matter what amazing feat Little Brother Mouse does,  including the most amazing aerobatics in an air race, Big Brother Mouse scoffs at his efforts and says he can do the same thing in his sleep.  As Little Brother Mouse pushes himself further and further he also gets more and more despondent believing that he will never be as good as his big brother. 

But his Big Brother telling the truth?  Can he really do what Little Brother challenges him to?

Sibling rivalry and the desire to do what older siblings can is often the inspiration for little ones to grow up fast and take risks and this story is a prime example of that.  But is it always wise or are their times when we need to wake for our bodies and brains to be in sync with each other?  Young readers with older brothers and sisters will relate to this story but perhaps it should come with a large label proclaiming DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!