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Summary
Summary
"A gentle tale of inclusion and fairness that children will clearly understand." -- Booklist (starred review)
"A truly inspiring picture book that will resonate with both children and adults." -- School Library Journal (starred review)
"Emotionally charged and eloquently rendered in words and art, this picture book is worth owning and cherishing." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Inviting dialogue about the need for inclusivity, Vaught offers a lyrical narrative." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
From award-winning novelist Susan Vaught comes a poignant picture book that celebrates inclusivity, acceptance, and the importance of rebuilding a community in the wake of disaster.
Lightning gash!
Windy lash!
A storm drives all the farm animals indoors except for a lonely fox family. The barn isn't their home. But where will they go for safety?
This stunning picture books explores themes of acceptance and belonging:
Large or small,
Short and tall,
There is room,
There is room,
There is room
For us all.
Author Notes
Susan Vaught is the two-time Edgar Award-winning author of Footer Davis Probably Is Crazy and Me and Sam-Sam Handle the Apocalypse . Things Too Huge to Fix by Saying Sorry received three starred reviews, and Super Max and the Mystery of Thornwood's Revenge was called "an excellent addition to middle grade shelves" by School Library Journal . Her debut picture book, Together We Grow , received four starred reviews and was called a "picture book worth owning and cherishing" by Kirkus Reviews . She works as a neuropsychologist at a state psychiatric facility and lives on a farm with her wife and son in rural western Kentucky. Learn more at SusanVaught.com.
Kelly Murphy is a New York Times bestselling author-illustrator and recipient of the E.B. White Award. She teaches illustration at her alma mater, the Rhode Island School of Design. Kelly currently lives in her native New England, surrounded by the flora and fauna featured in Together We Grow. Find out more at KelMurphy.com.
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
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
Publisher's Weekly Review
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)
Booklist Review
With a thunderstorm threatening, the animals on the farm seek shelter in the barn. The darkening sky, heavy rain, and lashing wind are contrasted with the warm, yellow light spilling from the barn, which promises a haven from the elements. The building fills with the usual sheep, horses, pigs, and chickens, as well as a raccoon, squirrel, turtle, and skunk seeking respite from the torrential rain. When a mother fox comes looking for a dry spot for herself and her kits, though, the others tell her, "Go away! We're full today!" It takes one of the smallest critters in the barn to show empathy and literally reach out toward the fox and her family. The group's world expands when they recognize how needlessly fearful and selfish they're being in not sharing their safe, secure refuge. Lovely illustrations using acrylic paints, oil paints, and gel medium create charming images of the vast array of animals that get along harmoniously in the small space. The tale is told in short rhyming couplets that, along with the appealing pictures, present a sense of unity among the diverse barn population. Here is a gentle tale of inclusion and fairness that children will clearly understand.