Hold Hands

Varon (New Shoes) celebrates the simple gesture of holding hands with a cast of wide-eyed animals whose four-fingered paws are just right for clasping. The furry young protagonist holds hands with its mother while gazing at the morning sky ("Hold hands/ when the day is new"), then with a stuffed monkey; a diapered, binky-sucking sibling; and with a parent on the way to daycare. Throughout the story are subtle nudges toward good citizenship and being part of a community. Animals ride public transit, play with companions of all species and sizes, and follow reasonable guidelines ("Hold hands with your buddy when you're on the go, / especially if your teacher tells you so"). Yet the animals' sweetly vulnerable appearance keeps the book from skewing too earnest. White action lines highlight the hand-holding going on in every spread--in Varon's world, even the sun and the moon hold hands. Seemingly effortless verse ("Hold hands before pancakes/ and during cheese./ Hold hands to steady your trembling knees") makes this the kind of readaloud that could find a place among favorites. Ages 3-6. (June)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-K--Graphic novelist Varon's (Robot Dreams, Sweater Weather) return to picture books (Chicken & Cat) is a comforting look at how holding hands is representative of the ways we connect with others to help us through our days. As the day starts, readers see a young bear holding hands with a younger sibling, an older sibling, and at times a stuffed animal as the bear offers support or receives the comfort or encouragement that she needs. As the day moves forward, the bear holds hands while going down a flight of stairs, commuting to preschool, on her way to a playdate, listening to a bedtime story, and in her dreams. Varon's distinct comic style of bold lines creates a world of diverse animal characters, and her comforting complementary muted color palette will appeal to child readers. Every pair of hands being held, whether in the background or forefront, is highlighted by a star, and the sun and moon are shown holding hands as they change places in the sky. Soothing rhymes makes this a great lap book that shows readers a myriad of ways that they can offer comfort and support to others and themselves. VERDICT This warmhearted book will hold up over many readings, and is a must purchase for libraries serving younger patrons.--Danielle Jones, Multnomah County Library, OR

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Varon's singular visual style—bright, friendly, and completely zany—and her deft, economical writing style make this simple ode to holding hands burst with originality and charm. —New York Times

In Varon's world, even the sun and the moon hold hands. Seemingly effortless verse...makes this the kind of readaloud that could find a place among favorites. —Publisher's Weekly

With gentle guidance, young readers will pick up on the broader message that hand-holding...embodies strong emotional connection, bonding, and inclusion. [This] concept is well-depicted in the colorful, cartoony illustrations of the smiling, bearlike protagonists and their fellow community members, who represent various animal species, colors, sizes, and shapes.—Kirkus

This is sure to be a day-care winner, and even youngsters petulantly asserting their independence may be reminded that it's really quite nice to hold somebody's hand.—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Various animal (and other) characters, rendered in Varon's singular offbeat style, show readers how hand-holding can provide comfort. —Horn Book

This warmhearted book will hold up over many readings, and is a must purchase for -libraries serving younger patrons. —School Library Journal

Award-winning graphic novelist and picture-book artist Varon uses her trademark stylings and anthropomorphic animals to create a gorgeous and precious picture book about a simple but crucial element of learned childhood behavior. —Booklist