Reviews

Drawn Together by Minh Lê

miho18's review

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5.0

This book does not disappoint! The illustrations are phenomenal and the story fills your heart with love. Proof again that words are not always needed to communicate or connect! Pre-order this book - you will happy you did!!

knaka's review

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5.0

Published 2018
Asian Pacific American Award
Fiction

I really like how this book showed how we don’t need words to communicate and connect with someone. The books starts off with no words, a few, and then when they find something they both enjoy and more words are used to describe their connection. I think students would feel seen reading this book if they have trouble connecting or relating to a grandparent, especially if they speak another language.

anyaemilie's review

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5.0

This book is so beautiful, both the story and the art

melhara's review

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5.0

This book gave me the feels.

It's short and sweet and relatable and so very cute. I can't even.

As someone who has lived with / spent time with her immigrant grandparents, I could totally relate to this story. Spending time with my grandparents was awkward and difficult not only because of the difference in age but also because of the language and cultural barriers. Being able to bridge that gap with a shared interest is a powerful thing and I only wish that I was able to spend more time with both my grandfathers doing just that.

***#22 of my 2019 Book Riot Read Harder Challenge - A children’s or middle grade book (not YA) that has won a diversity award since 2009***

kayelletea's review

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5.0

Read for our mock Caldecott

This is now my favorite picture book of the year! So great.

mckenzierichardson's review

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4.0

For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle

A beautiful exploration of the ways differences can separate people, but common interests can bridge the gaps to bring them closer together. Spanning age, language, and culture, Lê demonstrates how relationships do not have to be defined by the words we use to communicate. All they need is a shared space to overcome barriers.

Santat didn't have to go half as hard on the illustrations as he did and they would still be phenomenal. The amount of detail, different art styles, movement, and color packed onto each page is breathtaking. While the text in the book is limited, the illustrations speak for themselves. It could be considered a quick read, but should really be read slowly to take in the power of each page. I read it once through to get the idea of the story, then really took my time going through it again. Each page is such a treat and I loved witnessing the characters grow closer together with their shared love of art and stories.

This powerful tale is made even more special in looking at the translations provided on the copyright page. Seeing how the main characters are often thinking the same thing but are unable to understand each other's words was such a stunning detail to include. It added another level to the text.

A fantastic read that tells so much in so few words. Heartwarming story, gorgeous artwork, and a fascinating world to revisit again and again.

stenaros's review

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5.0

Read for Librarian Book Group
This mostly wordless picture book is the story of a grandson reluctantly visiting his grandfather.  There are good compare/contrast sequences such as the difference between the grandfather and grandson's lunches as well as the differing art styles. Very well done!

19lindsey89's review

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4.0

Sometimes you wander into the library and the kindly librarian hands you children's picture books to read.

Drawn Together was adorable. I really liked the message of bridging the gap between generations. I LOVED how it was represented with the two different art styles.

Overall, I was heart-warmed.

katrinadreamer's review

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5.0

A lovely story of connection and love with gorgeous illustrations.

alaspooriorek's review

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5.0

This book is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!! So glad I picked this up. A boy and his grandfather speak different languages, but through their art they are able to communicate and develop a lasting bond.

This is one of my favorite picture books of the year! I won't be surprised if it's considered for a Caldecott.