
A parent might reach for this book when their younger child is consumed with frustration over an older sibling's teasing and dominance. The story gives voice to a younger brother's list of grievances against his seemingly perfect, and perfectly annoying, older brother Anthony. He then escapes into a detailed fantasy of all the ways he'll get his revenge when he's six and the tables have turned. This book is a masterclass in validating a child's feelings of anger, jealousy, and powerlessness. By channeling these big emotions into a humorous and imaginative revenge fantasy, it normalizes the intensity of sibling rivalry and provides a healthy outlet, making it a perfect conversation starter for children ages 4 to 8.
None. The conflict is standard sibling rivalry. The "revenge" is entirely fantastical and humorous, not malicious.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewA 4 to 7 year old younger sibling who feels constantly overshadowed or picked on. This child is likely vocalizing their frustration with phrases like "It's not fair!" and is struggling with feelings of anger and powerlessness in their sibling relationship.
This book can be read cold. Parents should be prepared that it does not have a tidy "and then they made up" ending. The resolution is the emotional release of the fantasy, which is the point. It's a great opportunity to talk about how imagination is a useful tool for dealing with big feelings. The parent has just broken up another fight between siblings, or has heard their younger child crying, "I hate my brother! He always wins!" The parent is looking for a way to acknowledge the younger child's feelings without punishing the older one.
A younger child (4-5) will connect with the specific complaints and laugh at the silly revenge scenarios. An older child (6-8) will better appreciate the wry humor and the psychological truth of using fantasy as a coping mechanism. They might see the narrator's plans as both funny and a little bit poignant, understanding the powerlessness that fuels them.
Unlike many sibling books that end with a warm, reconciled hug, "I'll Fix Anthony" lives entirely within the younger sibling's frustrated perspective. Its unique power lies in its unflinching validation of negative feelings. It doesn't moralize or force a happy ending, but instead celebrates imagination as a powerful tool for emotional regulation and resilience. It's catharsis in a picture book.
A young narrator catalogues the many ways his older brother, Anthony, is better, stronger, and meaner than him. He complains Anthony makes him drink the milk with the "gray stuff" at the bottom, won't let him in his clubhouse, and always wins their games. The second half of the book is the narrator's detailed, humorous fantasy of how he will "fix" Anthony when he turns six, envisioning a future where he is the one in control.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.