The Two Tims

by David Elliott, Gavriel Alborozo (illustrator)

Best pals encounter a complication in this welcoming tale of camaraderie from New York Times best-selling author David Elliott.

Tim and Tim are best friends. They like to play and climb trees together. Then Tom comes along. Tom shares some interests with one Tim and some with the other. But can all three boys find common ground? David Elliott and Gabriel Alborozo explore the nuances and adjustments required when a pair of friends becomes a group and how opening your heart can reap enormous rewards. A spot-on read-aloud for young children learning to find a place in their world for new friendships.

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Friendship, Childrens

Unknown Binding

First published May 10, 2016

About the author

David Elliott is the author of THE COOL CRAZY CRICKETS and THE TRANSMOGRIFICATION OF ROSCOE WIZZLE. He says of AND HERE'S TO YOU!, "My neighbor’s rooster and I were having a disagreement. I wanted to sleep in the morning; he wanted to crow. The rooster won, of course. The first verse of AND HERE'S TO YOU! is a tribute to his victory and to the joys found in simply following your nature."

Reviews

[Michelle Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought for sure the two Tim’s would be testing their friendship when Tom shows up and wants to play. Too bad the two Tim’s both played well with Tom so it wasn’t really an issue. A missed opportunity to address what it’s like to be left out and how to adapt when your bestie finds a new friend.

[Melissa Chung · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've decided to do a spotlight on David Elliot because I loved his YA poetry re-tellings so much. What did I think about this picture book? It's cute. I thought Gabriel Alborozo did a great job at the illustrations, it's modest and humble, but not in an obnoxious Caillou sort of way. The writing is easy enough for beginner readers. I'd say around 1st grade. The moral is cute as well. I actually had this conversation with a friend of mine and my son. We all have specialized friends. What I mean by that is, you have a friend for the movies, window shopping, drinking and gossiping. Each friend is in a specific category because that is what you have in common. In this book we learn that it's okay to not like the same thing as your BEST FRIEND and that there are friends that will like to do something that you like, but not your BEST FRIEND, and that's okay. You guys can all be friends together with similar and different interests.

On to the next book...

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your name is TIM and your best friend's name is TIM and you're both of picture book age, why would you ever look elsewhere for another friend? At least, unless is name was also TIM. ;)

* But making friends with a TOM? Could that be okay?

Plus there are more practical problems to solve, such as:

* How could a friend be different from you?
* What if only one of you knows how to swim?

Growing up is hard to do. Yet these boys are learning.
FIVE STAR recommendation from this Goodreader!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tim and Tim are best friends who like almost the same things. Then comes Tom who likes different things.

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book about friendship. The last picture in the book leads to a good discussion about inclusion.

[Kris Dersch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know this is for the very young, but it seemed too short and simplistic. Not enough there there.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a good early reader.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two Tims, best friends, until Tom comes in and ruins everything (for like, a page).

On a meta level, I enjoyed the book because my "evil ex" was a Tom and my husband is a Tim. On a book level, I still liked the book for showing that a newcomer *doesn't* have to be a third wheel who ruins everything. Sometimes it can be nice that your best friend can geek out with another friend about something you have zero interest in and so you don't have to pretend to have fun.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough one--when you have a BEST friend and you do EVERYTHING together--what to do when someone else comes along and YOUR best friend becomes friends with the other person? Can you ALL be friends without leaving someone out?

The answer to these questions is told brilliantly mostly through pictures and very little text. Love it.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the playful and expressive illustrations! And I liked the concept of two Tims who are best friends until a Tom comes along leaving one Tim to be the disappointed third wheel. Unfortunately, I thought the illustrations outshined the actual writing.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, simple friendship story. Recommended for ages 4-6.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

My dad, husband, and brother are all named Tim, so I had to check this one out. Cheerful and fun.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book about friendship and your circle of friends growing.

[Miss Janis the Storytime Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two Tims and one Tom.

[Jtimko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tim and Tim are best friends forever. That is- until Tom arrives on the scene.
Using simple text and lovely watercolor illustrations, the author proves the point that there is always room for one more friend. Despite differences in their preferences, the two Tim’s discover that they do have something in common the newcomer named Tom. This would be a good selection when faced with a new kid situation whether in school or in the neighborhood. There is a scarcity of words in this story but the message is loud and clear. Recommended for grades K through 3.