Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same!
By Grace Lin
The Story
Two identical-looking twin sisters share the same eyes, cheeks, and smiles, but as they make dumplings, get haircuts, and practice magic tricks, their differences keep showing through.
Why It's Special
For the kid who's tired of being lumped in with a sibling or best friend, this book insists that looking alike is not the same as being alike.
- Big idea: Being close to someone doesn't mean being the same as them — differences are worth noticing, not smoothing over.
- Vibes: Warm, funny, and gently observant, with short linked stories that feel like sitting at a kitchen table.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy short, connected stories about siblings
- are working on understanding that twins or lookalikes can be different people
- like to talk about what makes them unique
- respond well to everyday moments like haircuts and cooking together
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & noticing details: What are some ways Ling and Ting look exactly the same?
- Story & noticing details: Can you think of a time in the book when Ling and Ting did the same thing differently?
- Real-life connection: Do you have a sibling or friend who looks or seems like you? How are you different from them?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think it would feel if people always mixed you up with someone else?
- Imagination: If you had a twin, what magic trick would you want to practice together?
