David Sedaris and illustrator Bob Staake have created a darkly comic masterpiece in The Selfish Sister. This is a wickedly funny and wonderfully twisted take on sibling rivalry and greed that will delight not only children but also any parent with a Sedaris-esque sense of humor. The titular sister, who wants everything—even her brother's kidney—is the perfect anti-hero, and the book's rhymes and vibrant, "demented" illustrations make for a truly memorable romp. In a world of overly saccharine children's stories, The Selfish Sister is a much-needed breath of fresh, cynical air. It's a hilarious, genuine, and sickly hysterical must-read for any family.

A sister who wants it all--absolutely everything--to herself and herself alone. Sedaris delivers a tongue-twister of a ride with progressive anecdotes of greed and takes readers through the ups and downs of selfishness. He offers silly to egregious examples of things to want to keep all to oneself. Where does this incredible amount of self-seeking behavior leave our main character? The ending packs a moral punch. Reminiscent of Shell Silverstein, even the youngest readers should be able to grasp the lesson this book comically achieves.

Thank you #netgalley for the ARC of this illustrated children's book by one of my favorite authors. It took me several re-reads of this book to decide if it was dark or funny, or both. I loved all the sarcastic poetic language, the chaotic illustrations and the message that greed will leave you alone. (I am still trying to decide who I would buy this for that wouldn't see it as an insult...but maybe that's the point.) 5/5 stars

The Selfish Sister by David Sedaris is an absolute delight. It is clever, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt, with the kind of humor that works just as well for adults as it does for children. Sedaris has a gift for telling stories that sound simple on the surface but linger long after you finish reading.

My grandchildren adored this book. They laughed, asked questions, and immediately wanted me to read it again, and then again. Any book that inspires repeated read-alouds is a winner in my eyes. Each time we revisited the story, we noticed something new, whether it was a funny line, a clever detail, or a gentle lesson tucked beneath the humor.

What makes this story special is how it balances mischief and meaning. It never feels preachy, yet it opens the door to conversations about kindness, sharing, and understanding others. Sedaris’ signature wit keeps the tone light, while the emotional core makes it memorable.

This is a perfect read-aloud book and a joy to share across generations. It earns five stars not only for the writing, but for the laughter, connection, and repeat readings it inspired in our family.