Chooch Helped

A big sister named Sissy has had it up to here with her two-year-old brother Chooch, who wrecks every family project while their parents just call it "helping" — until she finally yells "Hesdi!"

For the big sibling who's tired of watching a little one get away with everything while everyone else just smiles about it, Sissy's frustration will feel instantly, satisfyingly familiar.

• Big idea: Family patience and sibling love can hold both real annoyance and real tenderness at the same time.
• Vibes: Warm, funny, and grounded in the rhythms of a loving Cherokee family, with a burst of relatable big-sibling exasperation.

• have a younger sibling who gets into everything
• are working on managing frustration with family members
• enjoy stories rooted in real family traditions
• respond well to stories that end in warmth after conflict

• Feelings & empathy: How do you think Sissy felt every time someone said Chooch was "helping"?
• Real-life connection: Has a younger brother or sister ever messed up something you were working on?
• Story & problem-solving: What did Sissy finally do when she couldn't take it anymore?
• Family & culture: What are some of the things Sissy's family makes together, like Edutsi's grape dumplings?
• Imagination: What would you say if you were as frustrated as Sissy?