June and August [Hardcover]

Vivian Walsh (Author), Adam McCauley (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2009 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

This imaginative story explores the concept that the greatest friendships can come to be if you are willing to overlook differences.
 
Vivian Walsh is the co-creator of several bestselling books for children. In June and August she once again makes a misunderstanding the humorous but pivotal moment that brings together two very unlikely friends. One night in the jungle, June is thrilled to see a shooting star, while August loves looking at the moon. Although they can’t see each other in the dark, the two promise to meet again the next day. But when morning dawns, they face a dilemma. How are June and August going to recognize each other?

F&P level: K

F&P genre: F

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3—June is a snake and August an elephant, but this is not immediately apparent to them. On the dark night when they first meet, their physical differences are obscured and they are drawn together by their dreams of what they'd do if they could travel into space. When they meet again in daylight, they continue to bond and to dream together. This odd story has a quirky charm. The story line is disjointed, not because of a lack of storytelling skill, but as a deliberate style that produces a sense of surrealism. The playful illustrations are full of visual tricks that pair the snake with the elephant's trunk, or pointy blades of grass with rhinoceros horns. Readers may be intrigued or they may be befuddled, but they likely won't be bored by this unusual take on friendship and individuality.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL END

About the Author

Vivian Walsh lives with her three children in San Francisco, California. She is the co-creator of several bestselling books, including Olive, the Other Reindeer. Visit her Web site at www.vivianwalsh.com. Adam McCauley also lives in San Francisco. He has illustrated a number of books for children, including the Time Warp Trio series, by Jon Scieszka, and The Monsterologist, by Bobbi Katz. Visit his Web site at www.adammccauley.com.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810984105
• ISBN-13: 978-0810984103
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,399,097 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Story, October 6, 2009

By 

Tammi Scapter "Tammi" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: June and August (Hardcover)

I absolutely love this book about two critters becoming friends against all odds. The artwork is spectacular and the writing is whimsical and creative. My kids get so excited when i pull this book out for story time, and i really think it teaches them valuable social lessons as well as entertains them. if you like this book you should look at more of Vivian Walsh's books such as Olive, the Other Reindeer! Her stories are instant classics with beautiful pictures.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Teacher's pick, September 20, 2009

By 

Parker Herr (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

This review is from: June and August (Hardcover)

I teach first grade and this book has been a big hit with the kids. I chose it thanks to the great illustrations. The appeal for my kids is the writing. [...].
The story is about an elephant and a snake. The elephant takes a look at the snake and asks,

"Are you all trunk, or all tail?"

"I am all me!" says the snake.

The story goes on to point out that snakes and elephants start and end the same way, but in the middle they are very different.

My kids love this idea. It reminds me of something from "The Little Prince." In that book there is a drawing of a line that has a big bump in the middle. Only the children can tell that it is a drawing of a snake that ate an elephant. The adults think that is ridiculous.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Tale Celebrating Diversity, September 16, 2009

By 

James Kaufman "JK" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: June and August (Hardcover)

I have long been a fan of Vivian Walsh's books and think Olive the Other Reindeer rivals The Grinch as one of the best holiday books ever. This tale of a snake and an elephant who meet in the night and believe they are the same species is a wonderful, inspirational tale for children of all ages. It's not how you look, it's how you feel that matters.