When We're Together

by Claire Freedman, Jane Chapman (Illustrator)

Being together is fireside cuddles, it's magical stories we share, it's hearing the rain pitter-pat on the windows, squish-squashed in our favourite chair. The hare family know that being together is about sharing special moments with family and friends.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Animals, Friendship, Rabbits

24 pages, Board book

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

I’ve been a writer for over 15 years now, but it wasn’t planned!

I had a variety of jobs, including secretary, trainee buyer at Harrods, dental nurse, production assistant in a reprographic and printing company and various others.

I began to write after joining a creative writing class. I had no success with article writing, or short stories, or fiction, but the first children’s story I wrote, for a magazine called Twinkle, was accepted for publication. Hooray!!!

Things snowballed and a lot (yes lots and lots) of hard work later I now write full time and have over 50 books published. I still go to the same writing class and we have become a big happy family of writers!

For me, writing is the best job ever. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. I love to create worlds for young children to enjoy and escape into – whether the stories are educational, bedtime, problem solving or just plain good fun. It’s also very exciting to see the first picture roughs, as my wonderful, talented illustrators bring the text to life.

I live on the Essex coast in a lovely two-bed-roomed flat, which I share with my husband, Michael. At long last I have an office to write in, with room for all my books and bits of scribbled on papers.

The seafront is (still) just around the corner, and I find a bracing walk (it gets freezing when the East wind blows from the North Sea!) or gentle stroll when the weather is warmer, is great for clearing my head and mulling over story ideas.

- excerpted from her website

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute! We follow a bunny family throughout the seasons as they enjoy various activities together, from days at the beach with friends to cozy family evenings by the fire. The illustrations are absolutely adorable and snuggly and fun--and major bonus points for including a hedgehog as one of the little bunnies' friends ;-)

[Set · Rating 3 out of 5]

These illustrations are cartoony and not as beautiful as her other books with realistic animals. The story is for older kids, not toddlers but they're not mentally challenging at all. Children in olden days were brighter and had intellectual stories, rhymes, and or reference sources.

[Joanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is officially OK. It's a twee stories about family togetherness that children are inevitably subjected to at every turn. My toddler enjoys the pictures, and it's actually a good read-out loud story with a simple rhyme that flows well. It fails to get more stars because my toddler will only tolerate one read of this book. If she likes a book I have to read it at least three times before she's satisfied.

[Joanne Murphy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is officially OK. It's a twee stories about family togetherness that children are inevitably subjected to at every turn. My toddler enjoys the pictures, and it's actually a good read-out loud story with a simple rhyme that flows well. It fails to get more stars because my toddler will only tolerate one read of this book. If she likes a book I have to read it at least three times before she's satisfied.

[Zoe Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book teaches children about friendships and how including everyone can make people feel happier. I like this little story as it is a very happy one, so might be nice on an afternoon before the children go home just as a positive message to think about.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit long for very young readers, but the art is so cute and the poems make you happy.

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everything is better when you're with people you love.

[Leah G · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute illustrations. Short story that rhymes. I’m not a big fan, but maybe someone with a larger family would enjoy it more?

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

text (translated version): four stats illustrations: four stars

Sweet on rhyme, read at bedtime. 💛

[Little Champs]

3102

[asianbrownreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is cute and our daughter liked it. It's a bit simple though.

[Teré Mashburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Text-to-World/Self:

Time together means exactly that, time spent together. Regardless of the time of day or situation.
The text provides great examples that children can relate to and or have experienced. Not all families are the same; some families may have only one parent preset, or adopted parents, or same gender parents; so time together can be totally different. Some families may have a game night, or go out to dinner, etc. Time together is valuable regardless of how it's spent.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vilkkaan ja tapahtumarikkaan päivän päätteeksi unisaduksi valittiin hyvänmielen kuvakirja kauniilla kuvituksella. Kirjassa kuvaillaan yhdessäolon riemuja muutamalla virkkeellä. Runomitta on mukava ja sointuu kivasti. Kirjan parasta antia on kuitenkin sykähdyttävä kuvitus - mistä tällaisia kuvia saisi lastenhuoneeseen tauluksi?

[carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you_re together with those you love, fun comes in many forms_from singing at the top of your lungs, running down hillsides only to land in a giant heap, or doing nothing at all. This lyrical, joyful book celebrates those magical times spent together.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As we were reading my little guy said, "These are the animals from Bear Snores On!" I thought that was an astute observation. However, I've come to realize that little ones notice every detail in illustrations.

[Amy]

This is such a cute book teaching about friends and companionship. It would be fun to read aloud to a class or read to your child at night.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another story about being friends in all kinds of weather. Forest animals, friendship rhymes and the like. Ok nothing new. Ages 2+

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The rhyme is a bit forced, but the illustrations are darling.

[Tina B]

"family, rabbits"

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical adorable Jane Chapman illustrations....nothing different, but still pleasant.

[John]

Would be a nice storytime read!

[Ck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute book. I love the illustrations!

[Catarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to buy it! So cute!

[Sarah May · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOVED the illustrations! Check out my other reviews at www.littlebooksontheprairie.wordpress....

[Lyndsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

PB 4 Really cute! I liked the illustrations a lot. It would be a great bed time book after a long day of playing.

[Alyssa Bashore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story about how important and fun friends and family are.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable, cute and did I mention adorable?
A wonderful read for the whole family.

[Sarah A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little book for young kids to have read aloud to them. Explores the meaning of togetherness with family and friends and happy places.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this rhyming book on togetherness and the cuteness of the illustration to stress the importance of family/friends. Just a beautiful message wrapped up in an adorable read.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different from the others in the series, this book is a poem and talks about all the things families can do together.