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January 9, 2015

Perfect Picture Book Friday - Maple & Willow Together

Whoopee!  It's the first Perfect Picture Book Friday of 2015!

Isn't it wonderful to look forward to all the books we're going to share this year?  Think of all the new titles that will come out!  Sadly, mine will not be one of them, as it has been pushed back to Summer 2016, but that just gives me something special to look forward to next year :)

I have a lovely book to share today, one that those of you who have just spent a couple weeks with all your kids home for the holidays may find especially appropriate :)

Title: Maple & Willow Together
Written & Illustrated By: Lori Nichols
Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin, November 2014, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: 3-8

Themes/Topics: sibling relationships, family, fighting/making up

Opening: "Maple and her little sister, Willow, were always together.  It was hard to remember a time when the girls weren't together.  In fact, their parents even wondered if the girls had their own language.  And in a way, they did."



 Brief Synopsis: Maple and Willow do everything together, which works out just fine most of the time.  But sometimes big sisters can be bossy, and sometimes little sisters want to do things their own way, and sometimes that leads to trouble.  In the end, though, Maple and Willow would rather be together than apart :)




Links To Resources: Story Hour Activity Kit from Lori Nichols, and here's the trailer: (at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXhe9jvpVds in case it doesn't embed properly! :))


 Why I Like This Book: Although Joanna beat me to reviewing Maple for PPBF, I am a huge fan. This book is the sequel, and it's equally sweet and touching - a spot-on glimpse of sibling relationships.  The description and depiction of Maple and Willow's time together is lovely and evocative - very true to childhood.  When they inevitably get into a fight (because really, would you believe a sibling relationship where they never fought? :)) their anger and hurt are clear.  But it doesn't take much time apart before they're longing for each other's company again, the fight over and forgotten.  For any child who has a sibling, this is a nicely done reminder that arguments are normal, that it's okay to be mad sometimes, and that ultimately it's wonderful to have a sibling to be with. (P.S. I just realized that Joanna also beat me to reviewing this one, so apologies for duplicating!)

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

PPBF bloggers please be sure to leave your post-specific link in the list below so we can all come visit you!  I can't wait to see what's on your favorites list this week!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! :)


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46 comments:

  1. Joanne SherJanuary 9, 2015 at 6:28 AM

    Susanna - this looks absolutely lovely! Definitely requesting it from my library. You always have such lovely picks! Enjoy your weekend!

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  2. Carrie FinisonJanuary 9, 2015 at 7:10 AM

    I loooove the Maple and Willow books! This was actually going to be my pick for next week - you beat me to it! Just bought these for my niece who will soon be a big sister.

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  3. AndreaJanuary 9, 2015 at 7:44 AM

    I'm looking forward to reading this one! It looks so sweet. I haven't read Maple, either, but it's a finalist for the Cybils so I'm definitely planning to!

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  4. bgruenerJanuary 9, 2015 at 7:45 AM

    Ooo, I hadn't seen this one yet and now I'm super curious! A counselor never can get enough sibling resources, that's for sure. Thanks, Susanna, and congrats on your picture book!

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  5. Sue HeavenrichJanuary 9, 2015 at 8:01 AM

    I Love(!!!) this book. And the first one, too. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. Patricia TiltonJanuary 9, 2015 at 9:06 AM

    Such a lovely book for young children. Sibling rivalry and relationships are so important in a child's development. The place they learn how to work things out and continue to love each other. The illustrations are so cute.
    Congratulations on your new picture book!

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  7. Angela BrownJanuary 9, 2015 at 9:15 AM

    Oh the memories of sibling fun and fights. What an enjoyable sounding picture book. Great start to PPBF :-)

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  8. CatherineJanuary 9, 2015 at 10:23 AM

    The cover looks so fresh and cute. I must read this. Happy New Year!

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  9. Robin NewmanJanuary 9, 2015 at 10:28 AM

    Susanna, Looks super cute! Great review!

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  10. Mike Allegra writerJanuary 9, 2015 at 11:29 AM

    Oh, this looks adorable. As a younger brother to a (formerly) bossy sister, I can relate.

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  11. RosiJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:15 PM

    Absolutely adorable. I will definitely check this out and the first book, Maple, as well. Thanks for telling me about these.

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  12. JillSF1959January 9, 2015 at 1:20 PM

    Wow! Makes me feel like I missed out on not having a sister! Older brothers aren't the same. :D Love the trailer!

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  13. ClarbojahnJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:26 PM

    So great to have sisters! I wouldn't do without mine. Such a great message. Love the book selection.

    Don't worry about being duplicates, Susanna. It is worth it. I see a book above that I have done once an d if I Didn't I should have because I mention it in my first picture book, Annie's Special Day!! lol So we could all be sisters here and enjoy each other and if we feel the slighest bit peeved forgive. :)

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  14. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:47 PM

    I know, Clar! You did Owl Moon WAY back in the beginning - so long ago that I KNOW it's on the list :) And yes - what would we do without our sisters? Perhaps I chose this book this week subconsciously because I'm missing my sister who just went home after the holidays!

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  15. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:48 PM

    There's nothing like a sister, Jilanne :) But brothers are nice too... at least, younger brothers... my older brother wasn't very nice to me all the time when we were kids :)

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  16. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:48 PM

    They are both SO sweet, Rosi - I hope you'll love them as much as I do :)

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  17. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:49 PM

    Ah! So you reformed her :)

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  18. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:49 PM

    Thanks, Robin :) If you haven't read it, I think you'll enjoy it :)

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  19. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:49 PM

    I know, Catherine - I LOVE her art - so sweet!

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  20. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:50 PM

    Thanks, Angela :) I too look back fondly on growing up with my sibs :)

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  21. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:51 PM

    Thanks, Pat! And I know... I love books about sibling relationships because they're so important to growing kids.

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  22. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:51 PM

    I'm glad you're a fellow fan, Sue :)

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  23. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:51 PM

    Thanks, Barb! I hope you enjoy this one - so cute :)

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  24. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:51 PM

    Definitely read them both, Andrea - so worth it!

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  25. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:52 PM

    Joanna Marple beat us both to it :) Maybe someday I'll get this list properly updated :)

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  26. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:52 PM

    Thanks, Joanne! Lovely weekend to you too, and I hope you enjoy the book when it comes in!

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  27. Mike Allegra writerJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:54 PM

    More like she moved out. ;)

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  28. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 9, 2015 at 1:56 PM

    Scared her away, did you?! :)

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  29. Mike Allegra writerJanuary 9, 2015 at 2:00 PM

    Here's hoping!

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  30. GenevieveJanuary 9, 2015 at 2:11 PM

    Siblings who have a fight? Shocking! :) Sounds like a cute story. And useful in lots of families. Great choice.

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  31. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 9, 2015 at 3:34 PM

    Thanks, Genevieve! And I know - my siblings and I have NEVER been known to fight :)

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  32. MegMillerWritesJanuary 9, 2015 at 9:16 PM

    ACK! I didn't know there was a sequel! Maple was such a dear book, can't wait to read this one. Thanks Sus!! :D

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  33. Teresa RobesonJanuary 9, 2015 at 10:49 PM

    I can't wait to read this one! The first book was really sweet and delightful. :) Happy weekend, Susanna! Don't forget to eat more chocolate to stay warm. Hah!

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  34. Vivian KirkfieldJanuary 9, 2015 at 11:13 PM

    Yay for Perfect Picture Book Friday! Thank you for a lovely book recommendation, Susanna...and thank you for continuing this wonderful series of picture book reviews and activities. I am scrambling to get mine up. ;)

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  35. This_Kid_Reviews_Books_ErikJanuary 10, 2015 at 10:20 AM

    This sounds like a marvelous book on siblings. But-


    *dramatic pause*


    *dramatic pause*


    *unpause*
    -it's fake! Me and Josie NEVER (ever ever ever) fight! Nope. Not at all. Nada. Zilch. Never. NO fighting. ;)

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  36. :Donna MarieJanuary 11, 2015 at 12:17 AM

    I love the "Maple" books, too, Susanna, and totally agree with your review of it :) You hit the sibling--um, the nail--on the head with that one ;)

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  37. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 11, 2015 at 6:19 AM

    I know, Meg! They came out surprisingly close together! The second one must have been in the works well before they even knew how popular the first one was!

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  38. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 11, 2015 at 6:29 AM

    Thank you, Teresa. I will take that recommendation to heart! :)

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  39. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 11, 2015 at 6:29 AM

    I will look forward to seeing it, Vivian! I'm sure it will be another wonderful one! :)

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  40. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 11, 2015 at 6:30 AM

    I know! In 40 plus years, I have NEVER fought with any of my siblings either! I don't know where some people get their ideas! :)

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  41. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 11, 2015 at 6:31 AM

    Aren't they sweet? I love the art - so soft and appealing! And the two girls behind their doors on opposite sides of the hall - how many times did my sister and I get into similar predicaments?! :)

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  42. Janet JohnsonJanuary 12, 2015 at 6:34 PM

    So I'm trying something new. I used Google Chrome to get to your blog, and look! I can comment. Yay! This sounds like the perfect book for my boys (who can't stop arguing, but don't really want to be apart, either). I'll have to add it to the list (which is so long . . . but that's why I love PB's so much! So it may skip to the front of the line). :) Hope you have a wonderful day!

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  43. Julie Rowan-ZochJanuary 13, 2015 at 8:52 PM

    4 days late to the comment-party, and I am glad you're reviewing it to remind me to read it myself! Maybe I'll be back for more tomorrow!

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  44. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 18, 2015 at 7:22 PM

    There is no such thing as late around here, Julie! You're talking to the queen of can't-keep-up-with-everything! :)

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  45. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 18, 2015 at 7:23 PM

    Hurray, Janet! THRILLED you can comment!!! (Just sorry you have to switch browsers to do it!) I'm glad you like the look of the book - it's a very sweet one - maybe a little too sweet for your boys, but you never know :)

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  46. Susanna Leonard HillJanuary 18, 2015 at 7:23 PM

    Oh, you will love them if you get to read them, Julie! And I know! How I wish I could draw - especially like this! Her paintings are so endearing - warm and sweet and soft - I just love them!

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