You and Me – Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds

You and Me9781419711978_p0_v1_s260x420You and Me

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.

About Patricia Tiltonhttps://childrensbooksheal.wordpress.comI want "Children's Books Heal" to be a resource for parents, grandparents, teachers and school counselors. My goal is to share books on a wide range of topics that have a healing impact on children who are facing challenges in their lives. If you are looking for good books on grief, autism, visual and hearing impairments, special needs, diversity, bullying, military families and social justice issues, you've come to the right place. I also share books that encourage art, imagination and creativity. I am always searching for those special gems to share with you. If you have a suggestion, please let me know.

43 thoughts on “You and Me – Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds”

  3. 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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  7. 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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  9. 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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  15. 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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  20. 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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  22. Pingback: I Am Yoga by Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds | Children's Books Heal

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