What This Book Is About
When your little brother or sister drives you absolutely crazy, what do you do? You put up a sign: "Free Kid to Good Home." That's exactly what the narrator of this laugh-out-loud story decides to do. Siblings can be annoying, messy, and loud—so why not give yours away? The sign goes up, curious neighbors come by, and hilarious negotiations begin.
Originally written in Japanese by Hiroshi Ito, this book captures a universal childhood feeling with the sharp, deadpan humor that Japanese children's literature does so well. The author's own quirky illustrations—simple, expressive, and packed with comic timing—appear on almost every page, making the story feel like a conversation between the reader and a very frustrated older sibling. What begins as a joke slowly reveals something deeper: that even the most annoying sibling is irreplaceable. It's funny, warm, and instantly recognizable to any child who has ever wished they were an only child—at least for a day.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why We Recommend This Book
For A1-level readers (Grade 2), this book works beautifully for three reasons.
First, the humor is immediate and physical—kids laugh out loud within the first few pages. Nothing motivates a young reader more than genuine enjoyment, and this book delivers that in spades. When reading feels fun, children voluntarily pick up the next book.
Second, it is a translated work from Japanese, which is exactly the kind of global literature UWC values. Reading stories from different literary traditions teaches children that humor, love, and family frustrations are universal—a core lesson in international-mindedness.
Third, the theme of family relationships gives parents and children a natural conversation starter. After reading, kids often want to talk about their own siblings, which turns a reading experience into a language-rich discussion—exactly the kind of interaction that accelerates English acquisition.
Reading Level Guide
Still building foundations. Start with picture books and read-alouds to build vocabulary first.
Perfect difficulty. Challenging enough to grow, accessible enough to enjoy.
A comfortable, confidence-building read. Great for fluency practice or a relaxing weekend book.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.