Without You

June 1, 2011

PreS-K-This gentle title will show youngsters the value and rewards of friendship. The bunny and pig from Me and You (Kids Can, 2009) return. This time they are both in a huff, which leads to a quarrel. Each one focuses on the other's shortcomings; "You're so careless! You fuss over any little mess!" They sulk and think they'd be perfectly happy without the other... for a while. Soon enough, they realize that everything they do is more fun and a far richer experience when they do it together: "But my book is funnier when I read it with you! And my cookies taste better when I share them with you!" Spare text with breezy artwork done in mixed media using pastel hues and plenty of white space provides a light, age-appropriate tone to the lovely story. Facial expressions and body language are subtle yet highlight the animals' changing moods. A dramatic little frog is tucked into the corner of several pages, providing an extra character for children to discover. Pair this with Barbara Joosse's Friends (Mostly) (HarperCollins, 2010) or Polly Dunbar's Where's Tumpty? (Candlewick, 2009) for a themed storytime.-Anne Beier, Clifton Public Library, NJ

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