Just the Two of Us

by Will Smith, Floyd Cooper (Illustrator), Jon J. Muth (Illustrator)

The lyrics of a Grammy winner's hit single are joined with stunning pencil and oil illustrations to celebrate the dignity, integrity, and honor of being a father. 125,000 first printing.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Poetry, Childrens, Fiction, African American, Love

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2001

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Will Smith is an actor, producer and musician, two-time Academy Award nominee, Grammy Award and NAACP award winner who has enjoyed a diverse career encompassing films, television and multi-platinum records.

Starting as a rapper in 1985, Smith is best known for his acting roles in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, I AM LEGEND, the BAD BOYS and MEN IN BLACK film series, HITCH and most recently, ALADDIN. His vast filmography also includes transformative portrayals of true-life icons in ALI and THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS, both which garnered him Academy Award nominations, as well as his role in CONCUSSION. Smith recently produced and starred in 2020’s biggest box office hit, BAD BOYS FOR LIFE, in addition to producing and appearing in HBO Max’s emotional and most watched, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” 30th Anniversary Reunion special.

Next up, Smith will produce and star as Richard Williams, infamous father of American icons Venus and Serena Williams, in Warner Brothers’ KING RICHARD, which will release on November 19th. This summer, Smith begins production on Apple’s upcoming scripted action thriller EMANCIPATION, directed by Antoine Fuqua, and produced by his Westbrook Studios.

In 2019, Smith launched his media company, Westbrook Inc. alongside Jada Pinkett Smith, Miguel Melendez and Kosaku Yada, which focuses on empowering artists to tell stories that connect with a global audience. Westbrook houses Westbrook Studios, Westbrook Media, the digital content studio, social media management, and creative brand incubator, and direct to consumer business, Good Goods. Westbrook Studios is home to the Emmy® nominated Facebook Watch series, "Red Table Talk" and is rapidly expanding its footprint in entertainment, serving as the studio home to all new premium TV and motion picture projects. Smith will serve as a producer through Westbrook on his upcoming projects including KING RICHARD, EMANCIPATION, and PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES. Westbrook Media most recently produced KING RICHARD and EMANCIPATION. Additionally, they produced the 30th anniversary reunion special of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and the Snap series “Will From Home.” In response to the stay-at-home order “Will From Home” featured appearances by Smith's family, celebrity friends and everyday people who were also isolating indoors. The media company also recently announced Peacock’s unprecedented two season order of “Bel-Air,” a dramatic reimagining of the Fresh Prince series. He and his wife also founded the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation to benefit inner-city community development, youth educational projects and under-privileged children and their families.

Reviews

[Fátima Linhares · Rating 3 out of 5]

Um livro com frase bonitas para dizer aos filhos.

Compra feita na loja de uma associação, por 0,75€ e por ser do Will Smith.

[Noah Crocker]

This song was so good and sweet, and you're telling me he made it into a PICTURE BOOK? YES, PLEASE!

"Life isn't about how many breaths you take, it's about the moments that take your breath away."
- Will Smith, "Hitch."

[elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always loved this Grover Washington, Jr song, and also love Will Smith's version which came out the year my older son was born. This book was one of the first books I read when I went back to work after my younger son was born. I remember bringing it home and reading/singing it with my older son, and getting very teary-eyed. It's the first book that I remember being aware of Kadir Nelson's amazing illustrations, and he has never ceased to amaze me with all of the books he's illustrated since then. Plenty of awards committees have been impressed, too.

[Kate Grahek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by celebrity Will Smith, this book is about the love a father has for his son. It shows the journey they go through together as the young boy grows up. The illustrations are fabulous and engage students throughout the whole book.

[Faloni © · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best night ever.

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book is a beautiful poem written to a child from his father. The story follows the child as he grows, from birth to young adulthood. Cooper’s paintings are rich with detail and add to the depth of the love letter to a son. A perfect Father’s Day read.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, this is same the Will Smith who ruled Bel Air and was a Man in Black. But he's also the Will Smith who won four Grammy awards and four American Music Awards, so the man does know how to use words well. I think this story has its heart in the right place and there are some truly beautiful passages.

I do wonder if it might be better appreciated by fathers than by their children as some of it might be a bit beyond the grasp of younger kids though the sentiment is good:

"It didn't work out with me and your mom
But yo, when push comes to shove
You were conceived in love."

Or this one:
"One day some girl's gonna break your heart.
And oooh there ain't no pain like from the opposite sex
It's gonna hurt bad,
but don't take it out on the next."

And a few times the rhymes are a bit awkward:

"From the hospital that first night,
It took an hour to get the car seat in right,
People driving too fast, got me kind of upset
Got you home safe, placed you in your bassinet."

I was also none too pleased with the reference to spanking:

"But I will test that butt when you cut out of line."

Then again, props for saying that it's okay to cry when life gets you down, as long as you keep on trying!

But, overall, this is a really beautiful love song from father to son, a mixture of life-lessons and unconditional love:

"Always tell the truth, say your prayers,
Hold doors, pull out chairs, easy on the swears
You're living proof that dreams come true.
I love you and I'm here for you."

It touched me deeply. The illustrations are luminous. Highly recommended.

While I would dock a star for the reference to spanking and the occasional awkward rhyme, I have to give it back for the wonderful introduction poem/rap before the story starts, it begins:

"I told my parents I wanted to build a castle in the sky.
'Here's a pencil and a paper, let's draw the plans,' they replied."

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm adding this to my 'picture book' shelf, but not my 'children's shelf.' Not that the book is inappropriate, but because it almost speaks more to parents than to children. Then again, if you have a youngster who is concerned about loosing a parent's love as they grow up, then definitely this is a fantastic book to illustrate that: once a parent, always a parent.

There were a few passages that I wasn't totally in love with, but overall I was very surprised and impressed with Smith's story! It was nice to see his rhyming abilities put to such great use here, and so beautifully crafted. This book kind of creeps up and you and grabs your heartstrings.

Very sweet, and definitely recommended!

[Dolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful rap/poem written by Will Smith to his son. The heartfelt words and sentiment are well expressed and the pictures help tell the story. The pictures are those everyday occurances that you share with your children as they grow up and the narrative demonstrates a father's love through it all. Our girls loved this book, even more so when I read it again, using mother and daughter in place of father and son. It still rang as true.

[Cosette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic revisited.

Will Smith's rap "Just the Two of Us", set against the 1980's hit by Grover Washington, Jr & Bill Withers, sings off the page.

The book opens with a memory poem "I Told My Parents", couplets that walk a boy's journey in life with advice from his parents at pivotal moments that comes full circle when his son starts his own journey. It sets the tone beautifully for this book.

Smith's text dives deep into the emotions of a father for his son. From questioning if he is enough to be a good father, he reminisces about many of the boy's milestones: first ride home from the hospital and night at home, giving him a haircut at home, playing hoops with his "old man", first love, and dealing with anger. The father reminds his son that he will always love him and will be there for him.

Visually, Kadir Nelson ages this child (and his father) from the boy's birth to high school in the book. Notice the wonder on the father's face as he gazes into the face of his newborn son and his determination to get the baby home safely. When he's old enough, the father gives him a haircut, plays hoops, and together they play a game of "trust" - when one person closes their eyes and leans back trusting the other will catch him. In middle school, he takes time to listen to his son, talk to him about how to treat women properly, how to deal with frustration, continuing to give him advice on other topics even after he is in high school and beyond. The artwork, rendered with pencil and oil paint, has colors that pop off the page, with heavy use of brilliant shades of blue, brown, and gold. Look closely at each image; eagle eyed readers will notice Dad sitting in his office at his computer with a framed degree from Nelson's alma mater, Pratt Institute. Isn't that the skyline of Los Angeles? This man can draw images of African Americans like no one else can!

For a fun storytime treat, play a recording of Smith doing his rap or compare the book and its images with Smith's video of the rap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wamk...

Highly Recommended for ages PreSchool-grade 3.

[Nicole Woolwine · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5
2001
Contemporary realistic
Pre k-5th grade
I picked up this book and was amazed that the actor Will Smith was the author, I never would’ve guessed him to write such a meaningful short story. This book offers rhyme and rhythm throughout the story that expresses personal reflections to Will Smith himself. I like this book because it shows the perspective of adulthood through the fathers eyes and what it’s like to raise a son, and what it takes to be a man. I believe some students could relate to this book if they had a father that raised them, or a father of color even. Life lessons are taught throughout the book as well that explains what life has to offer to a child growing into a man through positive and negative actions and adventures. This is a book I highly recommend reading to my classroom and having on the bookshelf!

[Jessica]

Just the Two of Us is a realistic fiction book about a father who goes through the journey of life with his son. He gives his son advice and words of wisdom for his future and ensures him that he will always have his back. He tells hm that although his parents didn't work out, he was still conceived in love which i think is an important message to spread to children who have parents that are no longer together. This book is a good read aloud story for children in upper grades because they will understand more of the meaning of the book and understand the true love that this father had for his son. The illustrations in this book are very engaging and relates directly to the text. Children can be drawn in by the pictures and understand the father and sons bond. The author's use of rhyme makes this book more engaging for children and overall more interesting to read.

[Danielle Halikias · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. A book that any parent and child would love about a son and a father's experience through life. When reading, one will experience all the hardships that life will throw at you with a lesson on each page. The father makes sense of life's hardships when his son is undergoing them.

2. This is a heartfelt story of what people face with day after day, the tough experiences that life throws at as. This book shows that no matter what happens, your parents or guardians have your back. The most valuable lesson is, people will try to hurt you, but we, as a family, can overcome it.

3. Mars Needs Moms! by Berkeley Breathed.

4. "Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, cause hate in your heart will consume you too."

[Spencer Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book almost made me tear up! I was originally interested in it because it was written by Will Smith and I love Will Smith but after reading it, it made me think about my father and all that he’s done for me. And it makes me want to be a great father some day. I think these types of books are important because it teaches kids how to appreciate their family and when they grow up, how to be a great father/mother. This book is poetry and in the 2nd-4th grade range

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the idea of this, about a dad and his unreserved love and devotion for his son, but the execution, not so much. It is badly dated by the reference to Bill Cosby as a role model in the intro, and there’s a little too much God talk for me. The rhymes are just a little off, and this definitely speaks more to parents than children. But the loving message and the pictures of a father caring tenderly for his son are lovely. Also, yes - it is by THAT Will Smith.

[Terry Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children's books are all about sharing! Overlooked all too often is the vital part of manhood that entails a father sharing life experiences with his son. Whether it's the individual father, or society in general that neglects to make this important connection with boys and girls, all too often children are worse off and the greater society suffers. Thanks to the talents of Will Smith, his popular rap song "Just the Two of Us" called to the attention of a whole new generation the importance of fathers sharing information with their children and telling them how much they love them. This book is the exact same song in literary form with beautiful illustrations from another father Kadir Nelson. Equally inspiring is the opening poem that ties in with the line from the refrain "building castles in the sky" where Will Smith describes in verse how he always went to his parents with his ideas and they helped him to think even deeper about what he would do and how to do it. This is a great book to share with children of any age and can even be enhanced by playing the rap song along with it and could readily fire up their imaginations and creativity; at the same time helping them to recognize the value in parent child relationships, especially with fathers.
Whether read in the classroom, or read at home this is a great read that dramatizes the value of sharing literature with our children.

[Tessa Zimmerly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Fiction/ Contemporary Fiction
Grade: Pk-3rd

A story of a father with his first son. This I think would be relatable to any parent. I know this is how I felt when My oldest nephew was born and I am not even his mom. The lesson of growing up and teaching a younger child how life works is very powerful.

[Andrea Castillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book 4 stars because it is a poem type book and I feel like not all kids can understand it. I enjoyed reading this book because the illustrations were so beautiful and the story that it shared was good. I hope to use this in my classroom when talking about different families and family trees.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know Will Smith wrote a Children’s book. He wrote this for his son, and I absolutely adored it! It was so heartwarming to see the deep love he has as a dad. In a way, I kind of understand how my parents felt. All new parents and parents of young ones should definitely check this one out!

[Hailey Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: poetry
Reading Level: upper elementary

I loved this book! I️t was written by Will Smith about his son. In the book he preaches that he will be a great father. He tells him how much he loves him and gives fatherly advice with poetry.

[Grant Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book about a father and his immense love for his son. The text goes on to describe how in love the father is with his son, but talks of how even though he loves him so much he must still be punished. This is a lovely book that is close to me because my parents would read it to me as a child.

[Mary Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book with beautiful illustrations. Not only is this book written by Will Smith, but I found out that it is also based on a song by him. I think this book is great as it shows the roles of loving and positive parent's in a child's life.

[Pegi Ferrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are a five. The song is a five. The song translated into text? A one or two.

[Amy Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

An endearing book about the love a dad shares for his son, heart warming.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The words to rap by Will Smith about fatherhood and being an upright example and great father. Excellent illustrations.

[Robynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful gift to his son. A book for a father to share. Gorgeous illustrations by Kadir Nelson.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 3 out of 5]

11/3/2018 ~~ A picture book for adults & new parents, rather than for children. Kadir Nelson's gorgeous illustrations carry the text.

[Marissa Elera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I've seen this book around for years and have, of course, heard the song this book is based on. But I was extremely moved when I saw the stunning illustrations accompanying the lyrics. Wonderful.

[Emily McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perspective of a dad (no mom-it didn’t work out but the dad stayed)