Hutchins, Hazel. Together. Illustrated by Alice Priestley. Annick Press, 2009. 22 pages. $19.95, ISBN 978-1-55451-208-9
AGE LEVEL
0-12 months
GENRE
Picture book
REVIEW
What first grabs one about this book are its gorgeous illustrations. Created digitally, the illustrations appear to be composed of watercolor images overlaid with sketched lines of colored pencil, a combination which makes every image appear beautifully multi-tonal. The spare and repetitive text, consisting of a series of patterned questions and one word responses, is perfect for the youngest listeners. Each question concerns the function of items such as buttons, shoelaces, clips, and other things which hold or fasten clothing together in some way. The book ends with another depiction of the concept of “together”: a hug between family members, assuring young children of the continuing love of their parents and grandparents in the midst of their growing independence in dressing themselves and in other areas of life. The representation of a wide range of ethnicities and races in the book, as well as families of varying compositions and caregivers of varying ages, broadens even more the appeal of this highly enjoyable book.
LIBRARY PROGRAMMING IDEAS
Ask children who they like to spend time with, and they can then draw a picture of themselves with this person.
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