Siblings share more than just a last name—they share experiences, memories, and a deep sense of belonging. Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me, written by Jennifer Bradbury and illustrated by Pearl AuYeung, is a touching picture book about the bond between two brothers—one adopted, one not—who prove that love and family aren’t defined by physical similarities. Published by Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, this book is perfect for ages 4-8 and delivers a heartfelt message about inclusion, connection, and the things that truly make us family.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division for the book and my honest review.
Book Details:
Title: Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me
Author: Jennifer Bradbury
Illustrator: Pearl AuYeung
Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Length: 40 pages
Formats: eBook, Hardcover
Buy Links: Goodreads, Simon & Schuster
Synopsis:
A loyal big brother makes a case for why his adopted little brother is just like him when a pesky kid on the playground questions their physical differences in this charming picture book.
When they hear the singsong tune of an ice cream truck, two brothers race to get in line! Big brother beats little brother and holds their spot. But when little brother catches up, another kid challenges him joining his brother in line: no cutting! Everyone knows that cutting doesn’t count when you’re siblings, but the kid doesn’t believe they can be brothers when they don’t look anything alike.
The brothers may not be biologically related, but they’re still brothers, and they have so much else in common! They both like candy way too much, love swimming but hate baths, and know their parents love them. Big brother knows that differences on the surface don’t matter when in his heart, his little brother is just like him.
My Review
It all starts with a race to the ice cream truck! A big brother and his little brother dash to get in line, with the older sibling making it there first. But when little brother joins him, another child challenges their bond: "No cutting!" The implication? They don’t look like brothers, so how could they be?
But the big brother won’t let that stand. He passionately explains all the ways they are the same—how they both love candy (maybe a little too much), how they adore swimming but despise baths, and, most importantly, how they both know their parents love them. By the end of the story, even the skeptical playground kid realizes that people are more alike than they seem on the surface.
Illustrations and Writing Style
Pearl AuYeung’s illustrations are vibrant, full of energy, and bursting with personality. The expressive characters and dynamic scenes perfectly capture the emotions of the moment—joy, frustration, determination, and ultimately, warmth. The artwork makes the story even more engaging, helping young readers connect with the characters on a deeper level.
Jennifer Bradbury’s writing is simple yet powerful, making complex ideas about family and belonging accessible to young readers. The dialogue is natural, and the big brother’s voice is filled with love and confidence, reinforcing the book’s central theme: family is about love, not looks.
What Makes This Book Special
✔️ A Positive Representation of Adoption – The story normalizes adoptive families without making it feel forced or overly explanatory. It’s simply a part of their lives, just as it should be.
✔️ A Message of Inclusion – It teaches kids to embrace differences and recognize what unites us rather than what separates us.
✔️ A Relatable Sibling Dynamic – Anyone with a sibling (biological or not) will recognize the love, rivalry, and unwavering support between the two brothers.
✔️ A Thought-Provoking Playground Lesson – The skeptical child’s change of heart is a great way to show kids that first impressions aren’t always right, and we often have more in common than we realize.
Final Thoughts
Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me is a delightful and important read that belongs in every child’s library. It’s a book that sparks meaningful conversations about family, race, and what truly makes us connected. With its engaging story, lovable characters, and stunning illustrations, this book is a wonderful pick for parents, teachers, and librarians looking to teach kids about love and acceptance.
📖 Perfect for: Families of all kinds, classroom discussions on diversity and inclusion, and bedtime stories that warm the heart.
🌟 Final Rating: 4.5/5 🌟
Would I recommend it? Absolutely! This is a must-read for kids learning about family and friendship.
About the author and Illustrator:
Jennifer Bradbury is the author of the middle-grade novel River Runs Deep and of several critically acclaimed young adult novels, including, Take, A Moment Comes, Wrapped, and her debut, Shift—which Kirkus Reviews called “fresh, absorbing, compelling” in a starred review. Shift was picked as an ALA and a School Library Journal Best Book for Young Adults and is also on numerous state reading lists. She is also a rock climber and teacher in Burlington, Washington, where she lives with her family.
Pearl AuYeung is the illustrator of Nearly Almost Exactly Like Me by Jennifer Bradbury and the author-illustrator of The Best Kind of Mooncake which received the Irma Black Silver Medal. She also loves pickles and designing toys. Born in Hong Kong, raised in Shanghai, she now lives in Los Angeles.
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