Kid Konnection: The Kelly Twins Books & Giveaway

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you two fun books for early readers.

Summary: Second-graders Arlene and Ilene Kelly are twins — identical twins to be exact — and they love being a pair. They love to dress alike, they have identical pet ferrets, and they do everything together. But being a twin is not always easy. When a set of triplets comes to school, Arlene and Ilene wonder whether triplets are more special than twins. At Halloween, on different streets in identical witch costumes, some neighbors think that the girls are one person trying to get extra candy. And when Arlene gets sick and has to visit the hospital, the twins each find out what it’s like to be one instead of two. But whether they’re together or apart, Arlene and Ilene know they’re lucky to have each other.

Johanna Hurwitz invites readers into the world of the funny, lovable Kelly twins, who are truly two of a kind. -- Candlewick

I rarely pick up early reader books, but I thought the Kelly Twins series by Johanna Hurwitz and illustrated by Tuesday Mourning looked adorable. The first book in the series, THE TWO AND ONLY KELLY TWINS, introduces twin sisters Arlene and Ilene; and youngsters are sure to be entertained by them.

Arlene and Ilene love being twins. Unlike many sisters, they want to do everything together and they even enjoy dressing alike; however, they soon feel a little threatened by their unique twin status when triplets enroll at the school. THE TWO AND ONLY KELLY TWINS definitely demonstrates the fun in their relationship, but it also showcases that separate identities are important... especially when it comes to getting Halloween candy. In addition when Arlene has to go to the hospital for emergency surgery, the two sisters discover that their lives sometimes must follow separate paths.

Summary: Arlene and Ilene love so many things about being identical twins. They like sharing a room, sharing friends, and wearing matching outfits. But they’re in different classes at school, and one twin has a scar that the other one doesn’t. One morning, their friends Monty and Joey point out a new difference that takes the sisters by surprise and gets them thinking: if they are identical twins, why are there differences between them at all? Their tongues must be the same, so why do they like different kinds of ice cream? Why does Arlene wear pink nail polish while Ilene thinks it’s silly? Why is Ilene sleeping soundly when Arlene is awake, wondering how she can be sure that she is Arlene, not Ilene? Revisit the funny, lovable characters from The Two and Only Kelly Twins and take a peek at the wonders — and puzzles — of being an identical twin.

What’s the same about identical twins — and what’s different? Sleepovers, poetry projects, and new haircuts are in play as seven-year-old Arlene and Ilene start coming into their own. -- Candlewick

The new book in the series is DOUBLE OR NOTHING WITH THE TWO AND ONLY KELLY TWINS. Like the first book, this story provides more realistic adventures of Arlene and Ilene; however, this book really starts showing that these two girls aren't one and the same -- they definitely are starting to have their own (and often times different) opinions.

In DOUBLE OR NOTHING, Arlene and Ilene still love being identical twins, but others are starting to recognize their differences. Even though they look exactly alike to most people, they realize that they are their own person. One has a scar and one doesn't, and they like different foods and even different colors. In this second book in the series, the girls really start to come into their own as their self-awareness about what it means to be a twin becomes more apparent.

I thought THE TWO AND ONLY KELLY TWINS and DOUBLE OR NOTHING were cute books for early readers. Both books have short chapters and simple text so even the earliest of readers will have success at independent reading. In addition, there are lots of cute illustrations to break up the words for even the most reluctant of readers.

I think children will definitely like these adorable characters. Arlene and Ilene are both sweet kids and their thoughts and emotions should resonate with most youngsters, especially twins. As a mom, I appreciated that their day-to-day activities are realistic as are their interactions with others.

If you're interested in learning more about the author, check out this video interview with the NYPL.

I think the Two and Only Kelly Twins series are perfect for readers who are ready for their first chapter books. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Blue Slip Media for providing review copies of these books.

Giveaway alert: One lucky winner will receive both books featuring the Kelly twins -- THE TWO AND ONLY KELLY TWINS and DOUBLE OR NOTHING WITH THE TWO AND ONLY KELLY TWINS. To enter, just fill out the form below before Friday, May 5th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!


If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!


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