Name of Book: Me with You

Author: Kristy Dempsey

Illustrator: Christopher Denise

Publisher: Philomel Books

ISBN: 0588950027

Audience: Ages: 3 – 8

Summary: This is an absolutely delightful book that reminded me of the very special relationship that I shared with my grandfather growing up.  Me and You is a picture storybook about a little bear and her grandfather and fact that they love being near each other, whether they are involved in the same activity or doing different things. In the story the little bear enjoys setting up tea parties for her grandfather so he that he can share a piece of pie with her at the fancy table. He loves to push her on the tire swing and is always prepared to clean her up if she lands in a mud puddle. When his hat blows off, she is the one to run after it. When she was sick in bed he is there to tuck her in, read her a story and watch over her through the night. And, when she has a moment of selfishness, her grandfather is ready and willing to forgive her.  Throughout the story, the message resonates that being with someone you love is a blessing because with that person you can simply be you. A wonderful tale of the special love that a young child, or bear in this case, has for her grandfather. It’s a love that cannot compare with any other and the author captures that feeling perfectly.

Literary elements at work in the story:  The story has a simple rhyming pattern that makes reading easy.  The illustrations are detailed and colorful and make the story come to life.  Although this is a story about a bear and her grandfather, it could easily be a story about two friends who enjoy sharing activities together.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economic ability: The book is about a young female bear and her grandfather and would probably be best used with little girls but boys would also appreciate the relationship that exists between children and their grandparents. This would be a great book for grandparents to give and to read with their grandchildren.

Theological conversation partners: There is an element to the story that reminds us of God’s presence in our daily lives and activities.  It also serves as a reminder that for as long as we live and find new ways of “being” God will continue to be with us and to love.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. What does it mean to be “completely you”?

2. What is special about your relationship with your grandparents?

3. Do you think grandparents are more willing to forgive than parents? Why?

4. Does this story remind you of any other relationship in your life?

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Donna Fair

Me With You by Storypath is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.