Susan Verde, Author
Peter H. Reynolds, Illustrator
Abrams Books for Young Readers, Fiction, Jan. 6, 2015
Suitable for Ages: 5-8
Themes: Best Friends, Cats, Friendship, Fate, Rhyme
Opening: “Sometimes I think of how things came to be. / How we met. / How we became best friends. / You and me.”
Publisher’s Synopsis: You and Me is a loving tribute to how fate brought two best friends together. An adorable cat muses about the what-ifs in life: What if he had slept late that one special morning? What if he’d missed his train on that fateful day? Then he might never have met his favorite person in the world, and his entire life would be different!
Why I like this book: Susan Verde has written a charming tale about a serendipitous meeting between two cats at a train station– one yellow and the other purple. It is a heartwarming story about a friendship.
- You and Me introduces children to the curious concept of life encounters that are due to chance meetings, perfect timing, fate or serendipity. The theme may seem a little big for children, but it is a concept they will quickly grasp, question and have great fun discussing.
- Children will be amused with the yellow cat’s “what if’s.” “What if I had slept in, cover pulled up to my chin?…If I had sung opera in the shower…Or if the clock had been slow and I was late, lingering over my breakfast plate…” Would they have ever become friends forever?
- Verde’s narrative text is lyrical, sweet and simple for children. Adults will enjoy reading this lighthearted tale to children and reminiscing over serendipitous moments and magical encounters in their own lives.
- Peter H. Reynolds’ illustrations are lively, whimsical and add a joyful spirit to the special friendship between the two cats. His colorful illustrations are rendered in pen and ink, watercolor, and are playful and expressive. Great collaboration between Reynolds and Verde.
- Visit Verde and Reynolds at their websites.
Resources: Who doesn’t like to think about fate, destiny, chance meetings, fate and serendipity. Big words for kids, but easily understood and fun to play with. This story will trigger interesting conversations with children about the role of perfect timing plays out in their own lives. Ask them how they met some of their friends. Was it unplanned or unexpected? Was it a surprise? Did it lead to a friendship? This would make for a fun family or classroom discussion.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
A very thorough, thoughtful review, as always, Patricia. i wish the author much success..
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This book is a great collaborative effort between the author and illustrator who makes the words sing.
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I LOVE the illustrations, and what a sweet idea for a friendship book.
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Yes, I’m thinking it would make a great gift book for kids because it’s all about friendship. And, Reynolds’ illustrations are so lively and true to his style.
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I love this what if idea, which has a perfect level of maturity for young children to grasp and marvel over. I am certain this combination will be a winner. Great choice, Pat.
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Yes, I thought children would have great fun with this book — it made me start thinking about things in my life that were destined to be. Great children-parent discussions.
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Just finished this book too, Pat. It uses one of my favorite words, ‘serendipity’!
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I love the word “serendipity.” And it is a good word for kids to play with.
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I love the idea of this story. So sweet. Definitely going on my list! So glad you reviewed this one, Pat!
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Thanks Robin. It is such a heartwarming story and a fun book to ponder with kids.
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You did it again, found a PURR-fectly touching book Patricia! I must read this.
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Thank you Keila. It is a touching book, but one kids and parents will marvel over.
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What a great book. My best friend for 36 years sent me a memory box on my 40th and a card with a bunch of mutual memories we share it was lovely. I met her because I nipped her. How strange!
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Great — I was hoping someone would hare a moment. You “nipped” your best friend. What a lovely gift she sent you. I was thinking about how five years ago I started writing and studying children’s literature never knowing it would lead to so many great friendships worldwide.
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I can’t wait to read the book! I loved Susan Verde’s first book “The Museum” and I Iove Peter Reynolds’ illustrations.
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Yes, I love their collaborative work. “The Museum” is one of my favorites. They have another release next fall.
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Your book recommendation made me smile. One of those topics where I say “of course!” but never would have thought of looking for a book about it. It looks like a great gift for one friend to give another.
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I know what you mean. It never occurred to me to write something on this topic. It is a great gift between friends.
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Sounds great, Patricia – another Verde-Reynolds collaboration is most welcome!
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Thank you Julie. Verde and Reynolds have another unique book to share.
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Looks like a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing!
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It is such a heartwarming story. Glad you enjoyed the review.
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Beautiful, just beautiful! A beautiful gift for that special friend. Lovely review Pat.
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I’m glad you enjoyed their newest book. It is a book that both kids and adults will find special.
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Oh, my, this looks like a gem! I’m thinking it’s a must for my February friendship lesson for sure. Thank you, Pat, for your comprehensive and thought-provoking review. And yes, timing is everything!
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I think it would be perfect for your February friendship lesson. It will certainly spark many conversations.
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This sounds completely perfect. Looking forward to reading this one with Enzo.
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I think you will have a lot of fun sharing Verde’s book with Enzo. So much to discuss.
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Thanks for your book review, Patricia! I can’t wait to read this. I have it on my to-read list. Friendship and cats! Got to love that combo!
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I’m glad you enjoyed my review. Friendship and cats is a great combo. You will enjoy reading the book and viewing the great illustrations.
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this looks like a story that needs to be shared with a best friend. It sounds sweet but not sentimental.
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I agree. It is sweet and fun. It certainly made me think!
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I love Peter Reynolds. I just read NORTH STAR, and I can’t wait to dig into this one. Though I know he didn’t write this one, his illustrations really drew me in.
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This is Susan Verde’s second book with Peter Reynolds. They make a good team. I know you will enjoy this story of friendship. I loved North Star!
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VERY creative idea – and the first page is absolutely lyrical. Thanks so much for sharing it, Patricia!
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Yes, it is a clever idea for a book written in such a sweet manner that makes your heart melt. The entire book is lyrical. Glad you enjoyed my review.
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I hadn’t heard of this title. Will definitely have to check it out. Thanks!
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It’s a brand new title and very charming. If you have young children it would be a fun read for them.
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Oh, Ms Tilton! I am all about those serendipitous moments! They are everywhere if you keep your eyes and heart open. This sounds like a lovely tale! Serendipity and Rhythm! And Mr Reynolds! Can’t get much better than that! Thanks!
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Yes, they are. You would enjoy this tale. Good for your book bag for school visits. It will certainly spark lively conversations with kids.
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Darn it…I really did miss some good books. Going to have to play catch up here. 🙂
This looks so darling! Who can resist books with cats in them?
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Yes, this is another winner. It just came out and kids will love this tale about destiny and friendship.
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