Together

by Hazel Hutchins, Alice Priestley (Illustrator)

A child's-eye view of keeping it all together. Acclaimed children's writer Hazel Hutchins explores the concept of what-goes-with-what in her new picture book for preschoolers -- whether it's buttons that keep your shirt together, or shoelaces that keep your feet in your shoes. Playful text coupled with lively illustrations will keep children engaged and encourage them to build their vocabulary. As young children struggle, literally, with keeping it all together, here's the book to keep them from coming undone, blowing away or falling apart. From getting dressed at the start of the day to leaving school at the end, there is plenty of opportunity throughout the story to make connections. With Together, Hazel Hutchins has created another rhythmic and imaginative tale, richly realized by Alice Priestley's vibrant illustrations.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Canada

24 pages, Library Binding

First published September 1, 2009

About the author

Born and raised in southern Alberta, Hazel is the author of over forty books for children. Her work covers a wide age range – from picture books for the youngest set to novels for older grades – and delights in enterprising characters, interesting facts, gentle humour and the natural warmth of friendship and family. A popular presenter at schools and libraries across Canada, Hazel's books are also found in translation in many corners of the world.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simple and nice concept. This would be wonderful to read to young children going to school for the first time. I loved the soft, gentle illustrations.

[Kathleen Garber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet little book about things that go together.

e.g. What keeps my shirt together, happy over my tummy? Buttons.
e.g What keeps my coat close and snug all over? A zipper.

Actually all but the last one are about fasteners of some kind. The last one is about what keeps a family together and is a very spectacular ending. I had our playgroup teacher read this to the group (0-6) and the kids loved it. Some of the preschoolers were trying to shout out answers.

I'm a little unsure about my second example up there. I assume the author meant close as in close to her body but I think for a zipper it should have said closed.

[Tina B · Rating 4 out of 5]

clothing fasteners, familial love, family

[Piper · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to bring this home from the library, but I only asked to read it once. It was nice for learning different ways to fasten clothing, but it wasn't very exciting.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 Stars A Simple sweet little book with nice illustrations. Read at the Yorkville Library Toronto Ontario Canada

[susan nolan]

Fall

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet book, and a clever one on the theme of getting dressed -- simple, and focused on the bits that fasten us together -- buttons, velcro, hugs.