Without You [Hardcover]

Sarah Weeks (Author), Suzanne Duranceau (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 14, 2003

Where would I be,
what would I do,
without you?

So sings a newborn penguin in this tender tribute to dads the world over. While a mother penguin leaves her mate and newly laid egg to go and feed in the deep blue sea, the father penguin protects the egg by holding it on his feet until it hatches. Father and chick huddle together, braving the Antarctic winter as they wait for the mother's return.

Containing a free CD with a song written and sung by Sarah Weeks, Without You is a soothing narrative ballad that illuminates one of nature's rare and heartwarming role reversals and celebrates the special bond between father and child.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K-An illustrated song about a baby emperor penguin who waits with his father while his mother hunts for food. This story is told from the chick's point of view, and describes his total dependence on Dad: the refrain is, "Where would I be,/What would I do,/-Without you?" A preface offers information about the behavior and habits of these beautiful birds. While the sweet lyrics are not great poetry ("I feel a little funny inside./My mamma's far away"), they may work better when sung rather than spoken (a "free CD" comes with the book).The lovely paintings, done in soft blues, greens, and violets touched with silver, show an icy place that can go from fierce to cozy to peaceful. It's refreshing to see a "this is how much I love you" book with a father instead of a mother, and also refreshing to see an active mother and a "mothering" father. Overall, though, both pictures and text lack originality.
Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Sarah Weeks has written more than thirty books for children and teens, including Jumping the Scratch and So B. It, which was a Los Angeles Times bestseller and appeared on the ALA Notable and ALA Best Books for Young Adults list.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Laura Geringer (October 14, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060278161
• ISBN-13: 978-0060278168
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #882,594 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sarah Weeks is the author of Oggie Cooder, So B. It, Jumping the Scratch, and the Guy series. She lives in New York City, where she practices charving at least once a fortnight.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars C.D. is great, however text lacks depth., March 16, 2006

By 

Tammy S. Smith - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Without You Book and CD (Hardcover)

I strongly recommend that you use the C.D. along with the book, otherwise the text is flat and lacks clarity. The song brings the story to life.

5.0 out of 5 stars Penguin dads are great., February 18, 2009

By 

Steven "BookDads.com" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Without You (Paperback)

Without You
Another book about Emperor Penguin fathers, this one opens with a short introduction to how the male Emperor Penguins care for their eggs and hatchlings alone through the Antarctic winter. The rest of the book is told in simple phrases, in the voices of both father and child. Although the illustrations initially seem unremarkable, they are surprisingly emotionally evocative and children are sure to respond to the feelings they convey. Of all the books about Emperor Penguins for children, this is the one which is most appropriate for very young children. Since it also deals with feelings about the penguin mother who is far away, this book is especially appropriate for fathers who are primary caregivers.

5.0 out of 5 stars Before the March..., May 26, 2007

By 

Krystal Lynn "Czech This Out" (San Antonio, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Without You (Hardcover)

Written before "March of the Penguins", Mrs. Weeks does a wonderful job in rhyme-writting pulling you into the small family of penguins to see what true family really should be (sticking together and weathering the storm). Buy the one with the CD...her song along with the book will bring you to tears along with your children and students.