Two Together - (Brendan Wenzel) by Brendan Wenzel (Hardcover)

About the Book

In rhyming text, Cat and Dog experience many unexpected twists and adventures on their journey home.

Book Synopsis

"Masterful." - Kirkus, starred review
"[A] picture-book charmfest." - Shelf Awareness, starred review
"For viewers who are . . . dog people or cat people." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review
"[A discovery in] how beings sense the world." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

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

Review Quotes

"A sweet story of two pets, a cat and a dog, returning to their home. A great short and interactive picture book to engage preschoolers and older kids alike." -- School Library Journal

"Readers will love discovering a dog and cat's moments of personality as they enjoy different aspects of their journey home in Two Together." -- BookPage

"[A] picture-book charmfest... Two Together is here to say that a marvelous whole can be spun from disparate elements--whether what's under consideration is artistic technique or a cross-species friendship." -- Shelf Awareness, Starred Review

"A thought-provoking celebration of stepping into the unknown and working to understand and embrace the lenses of others." -- The Horn Book Magazine

"For viewers who own both dogs and cats, this book is sure to resonate with their pets' dynamic, and for viewers who are staunchly dog people or cat people, well,

they just may start to see the appeal of the other side." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, Starred Review

"Young readers will certainly delight in deciphering the differences in this whimsical world where an unlikely pair sees everything in opposition --except their own shared friendship." -- Booklist

"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

"Seeming simplicity yields rich rewards in this sensory-steeped tale of adventure and friendship... A masterful consideration of perception, exploration, and, ultimately, love." -- Kirkus, Starred Review

About the Author

Brendan Wenzel is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator based in upstate New York. He has written and illustrated several award-winning books for children, including Inside Cat, A Stone Sat Still, Hello Hello, and They All Saw a Cat, which was a recipient of a Caldecott Honor. He is also a proud collaborator with many groups working to protect and conserve wild places and creatures. You can find more of his work at brendanwenzel.info.