Together We Grow

Inviting dialogue about the need for inclusivity, Vaught (Things Too Huge to Fix by Saying Sorry) offers a lyrical narrative in concise rhyming couplets that are fleshed out in dramatic mixed-media illustrations by Murphy (The Slowest Book Ever). As dark clouds overtake the sky, farm animals dash toward a barn to take refuge from an impending storm: "Lightning gash!/ Windy lash!" Huddled together, the menagerie (which includes a few critters--frogs, raccoons, a snail--not usually associated with barn life) looks up apprehensively at a window where a fox appears ("Go away!/ We're full today!"). After one intrepid duckling ventures out into the lashing rain--and, in a stirring full-bleed spread, is seen face-to-face with the fox--the animals emerge to help usher the vulpine family into their dry sanctuary, where all--"Brindle and gray, / dapple or bay"--remain until blue skies return. Murphy makes effective use of shadow and light in pictures that convey the expressive animals' apprehension and eventual change of heart--and underscore the importance of trust and acceptance. Ages 4-8. (May)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 1-- A severe rainstorm lures a series of different animals, big and small, together for shelter in a barn. The fox family is initially shunned, as all the animals yell: "Go away! We're full today!" A lone duck, however, is brave and compassionate enough to approach them, demonstrating that to "learn and show together we grow" is the best approach. Ultimately, with acceptance, teamwork, and sharing during a catastrophe, "there is room for all." Vaught's spare, meticulous rhyming text perfectly complements Murphy's eye-catching illustrations, which begin with a striking blue sky severed by jagged white lines for lightning. The lone duck is illuminated in bright yellow-a positive touch about the enlightening power of kindness and compassion in the midst of gloomy dark danger. The phrase "together we grow" is a bit unclear compared to the more apt "love prevails" and "there is room for us all." Nonetheless, the overall message about working together effectively despite differences in times of need is a worthy lesson. VERDICT A truly inspiring picture book that will resonate with both children and adults.--Etta Anton, Yeshiva of Central Queens, NY

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Inviting dialogue about the need for inclusivity, Vaught (Things Too Huge to Fix by Saying Sorry) offers a lyrical narrative in concise rhyming couplets that are fleshed out in dramatic mixed-media illustrations by Murphy (The Slowest Book Ever). As dark clouds overtake the sky, farm animals dash toward a barn to take refuge from an impending storm: "Lightning gash!/ Windy lash!" Huddled together, the menagerie (which includes a few critters—frogs, raccoons, a snail—not usually associated with barn life) looks up apprehensively at a window where a fox appears ("Go away!/ We're full today!"). After one intrepid duckling ventures out into the lashing rain—and, in a stirring full-bleed spread, is seen face-to-face with the fox—the animals emerge to help usher the vulpine family into their dry sanctuary, where all—"Brindle and gray, / dapple or bay"—remain until blue skies return. Murphy makes effective use of shadow and light in pictures that convey the expressive animals' apprehension and eventual change of heart—and underscore the importance of trust and acceptance. Ages 4-8. (May)—Publishers Weekly *STARRED* "April 6, 2020"