Just You and Me [Hardcover]

Sam McBratney (Author), Ivan Bates (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 2 and up

As a storm approaches, Little Goosey and Big Gander Goose join other animals in searching for a place to hide.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

McBratney and Bates (The Dark at the Top of the Stairs) sets another snuggly mood in this tale of a gosling and gander searching for shelter from a storm. When rain threatens, Gander Goose and Little Goosey hurry to find a place to hide. But each potential shelter already hosts an inhabitant?a mouse, a squirrel or a rabbit?and Little Goosey doesn't want anybody else around "when the thunder comes. Just me and you." In a comic twist, the pair finally settles into a secluded spot, only to discover, after the storm, that all the others had joined them anyway. McBratney's serene prose is as warm as a sheltering embrace, and he has a gift for zeroing in on childhood's universal longings. His audience will quickly see themselves reflected in Little Goosey's need to have Gander Goose all to herself. In a series of pastoral scenes rendered in watercolor and colored pencil and laced with gentle humor, Bates echoes the story's quiet tone and deftly outlines the affectionate relationship between the gander and his little charge. Small panel vignettes and inset portraits alternate with full-page artwork, lending additional drama and fluidity to the story, as well as a great deal of visual appeal. This pair of seasoned collaborators has delivered a winning return engagement. Ages 2-6.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-KAA storm is approaching and Big Gander Goose and Little Goosey need somewhere to hide. Each place they find is already occupied by another animal and though they are asked in, Little Goosey whispers, "I don't want anybody else when the thunder comes. Just me and you." With quiet understanding, the adult goose declines each invitation and the two birds eventually nestle together under a bush. What is most important in this repetitive story is the connection between Big Gander Goose and Little Goosey. It speaks to a small child's desire for exclusiveness with a parent or caregiver. The watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations support this connection, often showing Little Goosey peeking from behind the gander or snuggled up to his breast or against his outstretched wing. A comforting story to share at bedtime.AKaren James, Louisville Free Public Library, KY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick; First Edition edition (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763604364
• ISBN-13: 978-0763604363
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #743,423 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sam McBratney is the author of the acclaimed picture book Guess How Much I Love You. Sam's distinctive storytelling voice builds on his rich storytelling tradition as a teacher, parent, and grandparent. He lives in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just You and Me .... What a fabulous book, November 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Just You and Me (Hardcover)

My son and I have enjoyed this book countless time. He's a middle child, two siblings, all very close together in age. There are not many times that he and I have alone together. This book has brought a smile to his face EVERY SINGLE TIME we have read it together, from age three until now, he's almost five. We only read it when it's just the two of us. I can't recommend it highly enough. The story is sweet, the pictures are marvelous, and just wait till your child looks at you with adoring eyes when you read "Just you and me". It's a keeper.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sweet story with beautiful illustrations, July 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Just You and Me (Hardcover)

I really love the illustrations in this book. It is a very nice story for a father to read to a child. It addresses fear of rain storms in a very gentle way. It is sure to result in "again again" from your child, as it did mine.