Together

An illustrated poem about friendship and togetherness.

PreSchool-K-- The essence of youthful exuberance is captured perfectly in this celebration of friendship for young readers. Two best friends romp through the adventures outlined in the gracefully composed short poem, pausing occasionally to put their heads together and "dream the same dream." The enthusiastic and imaginative mood of the text is expanded in the radiant watercolor illustrations which transform everyday events into extravaganzas of fire-breathing dragons and larger-than-life ice cream churns. While these compositions are filled with energy and detail, some readers may tire of the relentlessly wide-eyed, grinning expressions of the two friends, which render them less interesting than their lavish surroundings and thus distance them from readers. Although the friends are girls (one white and one black), the theme and images are universal and can be applied to the experiences of boys as well. Whether shared with a group or read independently, Together is sure to evoke thoughts of individual friendships among its audience. --Starr LaTronica, North Berkeley Library, CA
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The lilting cadence of Lyon's rhymed couplets and her catchy refrain ("Let's put our heads together and dream the same dream") are hard to resist--readers who try this book aloud are likely to find themselves snapping fingers or bouncing to the beat. The poem celebrates friendship, and in the whimsical world evoked by the illustrations, two girls--one black, one white--build a cabin, make a giant-sized ice cream sundae and put out a dragon's flame, among many other activities. Rosenberry's fanciful details add a pixieish touch to this spirited poem. Ages 4-6.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.