The Pain and the Great One

by Judy Blume
The Pain and the Great One cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Children's Fiction
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  • ID: 6368
  • Added: 2025-11-14
  • Updated: 2025-11-14
  • ISBN: 9781481411455
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2014-05-27
  • Reviews: 3

The Pain and the Great One is a charming story that captures the essence of sibling dynamics through the eyes of two children. The younger brother, known as 'The Pain,' and his older sister, 'The Great One,' each narrate their side of the story, offering a delightful and humorous look at their relationship. Originally published as a picture book in 1974 by Bradbury Press, this timeless tale is perfect for young readers and anyone who has ever experienced the joys and challenges of sibling love. /n/n The book's unique format, with alternating viewpoints, adds depth and humor to the narrative, making it a beloved classic. It's a story that resonates with families and highlights the universal themes of love, misunderstanding, and the special bond between siblings.

Reviews
Spaghetti Book Club · 2025-11-14
relatable 4.00

The story is relatable, with characters that remind readers of their own siblings. The Great One is particularly likable, making the book enjoyable for young readers.

This story is a delightful take on sibling rivalry, with characters that feel very real. The boy in the story reminds many readers of their own brothers, making it easy to connect with the narrative. The Great One is a standout character, and many young readers will see themselves in her. The book is a great way to explore the complexities of sibling relationships in a fun and engaging way. It's a quick read that leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    I like this story because the boy reminds me of my brother.

    My favorite character is the Great One. She is a lot like me.

    I like the way the story shows how siblings can be both a pain and great at the same time.

The Storygraph · 2025-11-14
heartwarming 4.50

The book beautifully captures the perspectives of rival siblings with gentle humor that resonates with both adults and children. The storytelling is engaging and relatable.

This book does a fantastic job of showing the dynamics between siblings through the eyes of a six-year-old and an eight-year-old. The humor is light and gentle, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults. The way the story is told from both perspectives adds depth and makes the characters feel real. It's a great read for anyone who has experienced sibling rivalry or wants to understand it better. The book also has a timeless quality that makes it relevant even decades after its publication.

Quick quotes

    This book captures beautifully the two perspectives of rival siblings.

    The gentle humour makes adults smile and kids see the point without even a whiff of preachiness.

    The storytelling is engaging and relatable.

Time · 2023-04-03
playful 4.50

The book tackles sibling rivalry with warmth and humor, making it a playful and relatable read. It's a great choice for young readers and their families.

Judy Blume's book is a wonderful exploration of the ups and downs of sibling relationships. The humor and warmth in the storytelling make it a joy to read. It's a perfect book for families to read together, as it offers a lot of discussion points about sibling dynamics. The playful tone and relatable characters make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with new generations of readers. It's a great way to introduce young readers to the complexities of family relationships in a fun and engaging manner.

Quick quotes

    In this playful picture book, Blume tackles the all-too-relatable issue of sibling rivalry with warmth and humor.

    The perfect chapter book! The Pain and the Great One hardly agree on anything.

    But deep down, they know they can count on each other, especially at school.

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