Play with Me!

October 31, 2016
Pip the pig and Nico the bear agree to play together—an ordinary enough idea that proves to be anything but. The self-possessed Nico’s idea of “play” involves his cello, while for Pip, who arrives pulling an overstuffed toy box, it means dressing up, jumping rope, hide-and-seek, or any number of other activities. “I meant play with me!!!” he finally yells, threatening to go home. Nico saves the day by finding Pip a drum to play, and they make raucous music together. Telling her semantics-themed story with highly distilled watercolor-and-ink drawings, debut author-illustrator Lee shows the visual and comic poise of a veteran. Her nuanced sense of character impresses, too. Nico isn’t empathic (he unknowingly knocks over Pip’s block tower with an ecstatic swing of his bow), but he never lapses into disdain. Pip, meanwhile, is as imaginative and resourceful as he is frenetic: he doesn’t just suggest hopscotch—he builds an entire hopscotch court out of sticks. That these pals are evenly matched in passion and determination makes their reconciliation all the more satisfying. Ages 3–5. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio.

October 15, 2016
Two friends with different ideas of fun find a way to play together.A little pig named Pip tries in vain to interest Nico the bear in playing with toys. Nico agrees to play--the cello. Pip tries to entice Nico with a wagon full of stories and lots of ideas for games, from dressing up like heroes to playing dolls, but Nico declines each one. Lots of white space and a playful typeface set the stage for the possibility of Nico's coming around, but Pip just becomes more and more frustrated as Nico serenely makes music. Pip finally gets Nico's attention by hollering, "I meant play with me!!!" Young children will relate to Pip's exuberance and exasperation while also appreciating that sometimes you just want to do your own thing. Lee's ink-and-watercolor illustrations capture the emotions of each character--Nico's joy of music and patience toward Pip, whose tail even looks despondent as it seems more and more likely that they won't be playing together. Playful touches--Nico knocks over Pip's block tower with the bow; Pip uses the scroll of Nico's cello to tie one end of a jump rope. This first picture book by author and illustrator Lee gives lots of room for children to fill in the gaps with their own imaginations. A nice, gentle reminder that it takes two to make a friendship work. (Picture book. 2-5)

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December 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 1-Pip, a piglet, and Nico, a bear cub, are good friends. Unfortunately, they have different ideas about how they want to play together. Pip arrives with a deluge of toys and ideas to entice his friend. He pulls out a baseball, stuffed animals, and a jump rope. Nico has no interest in these games but wants to play his cello. Pip is determined to find something that will tempt his buddy to drop the instrument and play with him. He suggests dressing up like heroes, magicians, or explorers. None of his ideas can persuade Nico to play with him. Pip is persistent and tries a game of hide-and-seek. He hides, but, sadly, no one does any seeking. Pip becomes so hurt that he decides to go home. Nico doesn't want to see his friend upset, so he comes up with a solution that may be acceptable to both parties. This is a fun book that teaches youngsters about compromising and the importance of being a good friend. The adorable illustrations are simple and allow readers to concentrate on the two playmates. The characters are delightful and animated and have appealing qualities. Pip is energetic and charming, while Nico is focused and caring. The story is told through dialogue. Two different fonts are used to easily distinguish which character is speaking. VERDICT This tale about friendship and working together will be a welcome addition to medium and larger collections.-Barbara Spiri, Southborough Library, MA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2016
Grades K-2 This playful story about two friends at a crossroads opens with Pip, an enthusiastic pig who appears on the scene dragging a wagon full of potential playthings. Then there's Nico, a large friendly bear, who also says that he wants to play (while opening up his cello case). But none of Pip's suggestions meet with Nico's approvalnot dolls or blocks or dress-up or a number of other child-friendly activities. Astute readers will catch on before Pip does that Nico is already playing, just not as Pip intends. Lee's text is as simple as Pip's requests; just a few words describe each suggestion. The watercolor illustrations, outlined in ink, are lively and appealing, especially when depicting the many dress-up options Pip provides. And when Pip finally loses patience, we hear him loud and clear as his words spread diagonally across the page. Pair with almost any Elephant and Piggie book by Mo Willems, but especially Listen to My Trumpet! (2012), for an example of friendship confusion that is sweetly resolved.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2017
Pig Pip asks bear Nico if he wants to play. Nico says yes. Pip proposes game after game, but Nico says no to everything: he wants to play...his cello. Pip's frustration grows and grows, but in the end the two arrive at a mutually workable solution. Humorous, expressive watercolor and ink illustrations on generous white space capture the dynamics of this realistically portrayed friendship.

(Copyright 2017 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)