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

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2011
A rabbit and pig duo (known to readers of Ctti's Me and You) have a spat, try to play independently ("I can paint a sunset without you"), and then learn the error of their ways ("My colors are brighter when I paint you"). This is obvious stuff, but it's hard to fault the execution: simple sentences, sprightly art, in-and-out storytelling.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)