Wenzel, Brendan. Two Together. Brendan Wenzel, Illus. Chronicle, 04/2024. [44]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-79720-277-8. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.
Two friends with very different personal perspectives share a romping adventure filled with exuberance masterfully portrayed through a flow of dynamic illustrations and the casual ease of near rhymes. At the onset, looking at their own reflections initiates a visual journey of contrasts: the dog’s experience represented by loose and swooping paint strokes, and the cat’s by light and lively textured pencil marks. Everything they encounter is revealed through their unique perspectives; the experience of sudden rain, fellow creatures, and starry skies are all half-drawn in the very different styles. Flowing compositions guide us through full spreads, into and across folds and fields, and ultimately home. End papers start at dawn and end at dusk, fulfilling the promise of “For a moment. For a day. Two together on their way.” A fun-filled lyrical and artistic expression of the pure joy of friendship based on authenticity and adventure … which of course leads to further adventure.
Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library