{"id":37371,"date":"2020-05-29T22:54:52","date_gmt":"2020-05-30T02:54:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sonderbooks.com\/blog\/?p=37371"},"modified":"2020-05-29T22:54:52","modified_gmt":"2020-05-30T02:54:52","slug":"review-of-drawn-together-by-minh-le-illustrated-by-dan-santat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sonderbooks.com\/blog\/?p=37371","title":{"rendered":"Review of Drawn Together, by Minh L\u00ea, illustrated by Dan Santat"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Drawn Together<\/em><\/p>\n

by Minh L\u00ea
\nillustrated by Dan Santat<\/p>\n

Disney Hyperion, 2018. 36 pages.
\nReview written in 2018 from a library book.
\nStarred Review
\n2019 Asian\/Pacific American Award for Literature Picture Book Winner<\/a>
\n2018 Sonderbooks Stand-out<\/a>: #7 Other Picture Books<\/p>\n

This almost wordless picture book tells about a boy and his grandfather \u2013 who doesn\u2019t speak English.<\/p>\n

The boy has been dropped off at his grandfather\u2019s house. They eat together \u2013 different foods, and they watch TV together but like different shows. They can\u2019t talk together.<\/p>\n

But then the boy gets out his markers and starts to draw. The grandfather sees and his face lights up. He brings over his sketchbook, ink, and brushes.<\/p>\n

And they begin to draw \u2013 together.<\/p>\n

Now, after years of searching for the right words, we find ourselves happily\u2026<\/p>\n

Speechless.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I have not discussed this with the Newbery committee, but my personal opinion is that it would be a stretch to give a Newbery award to a nearly wordless book. However, after my first reading, I would not be surprised if this book is seriously discussed by the Caldecott committee. The art is wonderful \u2013 using one style for the boy and another for his grandfather, as well as portraying their imaginary battles by each other\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

Added later: I was so happy when this was announced as the Asian\/Pacific American Literature Award Winner for Picture Books.<\/p>\n

minhlebooks.com<\/a>
\ndantat.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Buy from Amazon.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Find this review on Sonderbooks<\/a> at: www.sonderbooks.com\/Picture_Books\/drawn_together.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate, and will earn a small percentage if you order a book on Amazon after clicking through from my site.<\/p>\n

Source: This review is based on a library book from Fairfax County Public Library.<\/p>\n

Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.<\/p>\n

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