Here are some sibling books that might ring a bell. You might want to look them up online since some are series and I didn't list all the titles, but also remember that older books have often been published more recently with new illustrations. Hope this helps!

*Charlie and Lola books
*Big Sister, Little Sister, by LeUyen Pham
*Frances books
*Big Sister, Little Sister, by Charlotte Zolotow
*Sisters, by David McPhail
*Little Sister, Big Sister, by Pat Brisson

Thanks so much for all the advice and book opinions! I posted a message at the abebooks site that you recommended!

My nephews are 4 and <1year...trying to find books that the 4 year-old will grow to read and love and easier books that he can then read to his little bro and his parents can read to him.

Thanks!!!

Well, based on that latest information, consider "Good Dog, Carl" and the other Carl books by Alexandra Day. It's exactly what you described - the perfect book for a 4 year old to "read" to the 1 year old sibling. No text. Wonderful introduction to front to back, top to bottom, left to right progression.

Check it out on amazon.com AND read the review by the parent describing how the 3.5 year old "reads" it to the little one! :-)

Here are two favorites from when my kids were little:

"The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear" by Audrey and Don Wood - perfect for the ages of your nephews - funny, colorful illustrations, and a cute story.

"Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" By Judi and Ron Barrett - This would be good for the four-year-old - a whimsical, imaginative story with humorous drawings.

Aha!

Monnie hates Lydia
by Susan Pearson

I guess its out of print, but looks like I can pick up a used copy on Amazon.

Again, thanks for all your ideas!!!

"Alfie and Annie Rose" are a charming series of books written by Shirley Hughes. Alfie is the big brother, about 5 years old, and Annie Rose is the little sister who he teaches about life, at least life as he knows it. All the books have beautiful illustrations and concepts that are perfect for preschoolers.

LOVE Walter the Farting Dog!! That was a Caldecott (sp?) winner, you know.

So glad you found it !!! Congratulations and it was a fun thread you started, hope your nephews like the book !

Just to give you all a heads up, here is the best thing to do when you don't have the name, the author, but have an idea of the plot, time frame, level etc.

Don't use google and/or Amazon for this kind of search. It puts you into the frankly material and merchandising and isn't anywhere near complete.

There is a huge database in the USA called NOVELIST that is free in IL but also in other states or through your local library. The free link is through your library.

You enter the plot, possible era, main character whatever and it will give you all the books that relate. You can limit it to children's reading, juvenile, adol. or adult fiction etc. etc. etc. as well.

I just went to the site and tried to send a link, but I can't. It's for sale to academia etc. and if I did they would have to kill me, I guess.

But ask your local librarian about the Novelist database.

They have a category where you can put in: I love- (say you put down the author Patterson, James) and that will give you lists of "read-alikes" in similar styles and gendres, as well.