Two Together
by Brendan Wenzel (Author)
In this companion book to They All Saw a Cat and Inside Cat, a journey home leads to unexpected adventures for a cat and dog. A playful, imaginative story of friendship, empathy, and discovery by Caldecott Honor winner Brendan Wenzel.
Cat and Dog are headed home. A simple route lies ahead of them . . . or does it? There’s so much to see and smell and hear, and the two of them experience the world very differently. A stream, for instance, is watery fun for Dog, but it may not be so delightful for Cat!
As their journey becomes an adventure full of unexpected twists and turns, Cat and Dog show that it’s possible for two creatures to travel in the world together despite their distinctive perspectives and abilities—and even to appreciate and enjoy them. With the irresistible read-aloud appeal of Brendan Wenzel’s They All Saw a Cat, winner of the Caldecott Honor, this is a funny, exuberant companion tale that’s an imaginative tribute to empathy, friendship, and understanding.
RESPECTING DIFFERENCES: Cat and Dog experience life in almost opposite ways. Through their eyes, children will see how the same situation or problem can be handled differently depending on the perspective and ability of the creature living through it, building their empathy and understanding.
DELIGHTFUL VISUALS: This picture book is full of visual surprises and Easter eggs, and readers will love turning back to find details that hint at developments to come on the journey. The dog's and cat’s art styles evolve throughout, becoming more developed and exaggerated but ending with a unified style that incorporates both their points of view as their friendship is affirmed and strengthened.
ENCOURAGES EXPLORATION: The path home is both a familiar route and a new experience as Cat and Dog make surprising—sometimes unpleasant—discoveries along the way. The subtle message about appreciating the small moments in everyday routines and the possibilities that await when we step outside them is perfect for young readers.
BELOVED AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Brendan Wenzel is a bestselling author, Caldecott Honor–winning artist, and sought-after speaker at schools and libraries. His books They All Saw a Cat, Hello Hello, A Stone Sat Still, and Inside Cat have received multiple awards and starred reviews and are family and classroom favorites.
FUN READ-ALOUD BOOK: Rhythmic text coupled with compelling artwork and a comforting ending make this perfect for story time, bedtime, or both!
Perfect for:
- Parents, grandparents, educators, and educators
- Preschool and kindergarten–level readers
- Pet owners
- Gift givers looking for a fun, interactive family read-aloud book
- Fans of Brendan Wenzel
- Fans of picture books like Hot Dog, The Kissing Hand, What Do You Do With a Problem?, and The Day the Crayons Quit
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Kirkus
A masterful consideration of perception, exploration, and, ultimately, love.
Publishers Weekly
Caldecott Honoree Wenzel continues to explore perspective in this companion to They All Saw a Cat and Inside Cat--a story about a feline, Bell, and a hound, Bone, headed homeward. Gentle rhymes and short, chiming lines situate the two as they wander the natural world "for a moment. For a day.// Two together on their way." Bone, stroked in rich brown paint splotches, galumphs along carrying a hefty bone, and the world the dog perceives is also made up of organic, fingerpaint-like shapes. Bell, smaller and leaner, is drawn in delicate, scribbly lines, and all the cat meets is rendered in the same style. Bone sees a tree as dark green waves; Bell, sitting in it, perceives each distinct leaf in varied hues. Along the way, their points of view communicate their individual takes as the two encounter precipitation (Bone grins, Bell bristles) and a darkening sky (the areas around nocturnally sighted Bell are brighter). Free of conflict, the story's excitement is found in discovering how the beings each sense the world--and in knowing that those differences don't prevent their curling up by the fire together at day's end, "warm and safe" in the eyes of another. Ages 3-5. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Apr.)
Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Review quotes
"Free of conflict, the story's excitement is found in discovering how the beings each sense the world—and in knowing that those differences don't prevent their curling up by the fire together at day's end, "warm and safe" in the eyes of another." — Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
JUV002000 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | General
JUV029010 - Juvenile Fiction | Nature & the Natural World | Environment
Friendship
Dogs
Picture books
Stories in rhyme
