#BookReview: Me and You, Ellie Royce (author), Penelope Pratley (illus.), Ford Street Publishing, April 2025.
Blurb:
Come and join in on a day of joyful discovery, where treasured memories are made, connection is celebrated, and sharing love is as simple as holding hands.
Review:
Joyful, treasured, and a loving connection are words that perfectly sum up this beautiful book. There’s something so special about a grandparent-grandchild relationship, and Me and You encapsulates everything precious about that bond, and about showing kindness and empathy, in one heartwarming picture book.
The delightful turn-taking narrative sweeps readers into a day full of fun and adventure; a child ‘bursting out of bed like a firecracker’, and a grandmother easing her way out of dreams of ‘days long ago’. The mix of young energy combined with the slower (and somewhat amusingly realistic) pace of the older generation is all too familiar, however, this pair doing it together is like a harmonious melody. Beach days inhaling the salty breeze and waves tickling their toes, laughing about ice cream blunders, tapping feet to musical rhythms, sprinkling water onto freshly planted soil, stories, bubbles and naps – it’s a day brimming with sunshine, cherished moments and small wonders that child and grandmother have enjoyed in unison, complimented with the repeating refrain, ‘Me too!‘.
Ellie Royce’s text is deliciously lyrical with sensory and emotive language, including playful adjectives and onomatopoeia, as well as the sweet dialogue between her loving characters. Coming from a personal place of being a grandparent, Ellie’s narrative is filled with warmth that will clearly resonate with readers of all generations. The dance between words and pictures is remarkable. Penelope Pratley’s soft pencil lines and soothing watercolour tones gush with movement, life and love – her charming illustrations are reflective of a beautiful, caring intergenerational bond. There are so many sentimental moments to appreciate.
This book is a must-read-together book across the generations; to reminisce, reflect and plan for treasured experiences together, from the simple joys to the big-days-out. When you read this book with a loved one, tell them it’s about ‘Me and You’. It’s completely special.
Review by Romi Sharp.
With thanks to Ellie Royce and Ford Street Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book.
Please find Ellie Royce at her website: www.weareallmadeofstories.com/ and on Instagram and Facebook.
Please find Penelope Pratley at her website: www.penelopesnest.com/ and on Instagram and Facebook.
Me and You is available for purchase through Ford Street Publishing.
Join in to share in the beautiful moments with Me and You and Ellie Royce, connecting readers across the blogosphere!
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