PICTURE BOOKS

Rafi and Rita

by Jarvis (text) & illus. by Chris Judge
Candlewick. Jun. 2026. 32p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781536251685. PreS-Gr 2
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PreS-Gr 2–Giraffe twins Rafi and Rita enjoy doing many of the same things; chief among these is constant squabbling. On the title page, they stand alongside a ruler, as each strains with grimaces and clenched teeth to appear taller. Then, each tries to best the other in boasts that grow increasingly outlandish. The phrasing of the comments will have listeners pricking up their ears to hear each claim, while Judge’s colorful digital illustrations add humorous details, along with changes in perspective and brisk pacing. When their doting mother arrives, she brings her own point of view, with a delightful twist to their game of upmanship. ­
VERDICT With laugh-out-loud humor, this zesty lesson in getting along with a ­sibling is an excellent read-aloud and should appeal to a wide audience of readers young and old.
Reviewed by Marilyn Taniguchi , Mar 01, 2026

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