Drawn Together Picture Book

(Note: Disney Hyperion sent me a review copy of the picture book Drawn Together. All opinions are my own.)

I love children’s books.

I love reading them to my grandchildren.

So I was thrilled when I was asked if I wanted to review the book Drawn Together written by Minh Lê and illustrated by Dan Santat.

When I received the book and read it, I was even more thrilled.

This is a heartwarming story about the relationship between a boy and his grandfather. It’s about how they speak a language that the other one does not understand. It’s about how art can be a powerful communication tool and how it can bring people together.

I loved the artwork in the book. I take my hat off to Mr. Santat and his excellent illustration skill. (I’m so bad at drawing that my stick figures look sick and need to be admitted to a stick figure hospital!)

Isn’t this gorgeous?

I loved snuggling with my grandchildren and reading the book to them.

These grandkids are getting so big that they don’t fit on my lap very well! But that’s okay.

They still want me to read to them!

And they loved this book! They were fascinated with the artwork and the subtleties about the grandfather’s and grandson’s relationship shown in the art. (Jeneva had to take a peek at grandpa as he took our picture instead of looking at the book!)

Author Minh Lê and Caldecott-winning illustrator Dan Santat join forces in a heartwarming story of a grandfather and his grandson as they learn to overcome their language barrier through a shared love of art and storytelling.

When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens—with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words. With spare, direct text by Minh Lê and luminous illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, this stirring picture book about reaching across barriers will be cherished for years to come.

About the Author

Minh Lê is a writer but, like his grandfather, is a man of few words.

He is a national early childhood policy expert, author of Let Me Finish! (illustrated by Isabel Roxas), and has written for the New York Times, the Horn Book, and the Huffington Post.

A first-generation Vietnamese-American, he went to Dartmouth College and has a master’s in education from Harvard University.

Outside of spending time with his beautiful wife and sons in their home near Washington, DC, Minh’s favorite place to be is in the middle of a good book.

Visit Minh online at minhlebooks.com or on Twitter @bottomshelfbks.

Minh Lê’s debut, Let Me Finish!, received critical acclaim, and this new picture book once again demonstrates his sensitivity to readers and mastery of the form.

About the Illustrator

Dan Santat is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Award-winning The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, as well as The Cookie Fiasco, After the Fall, and others.

He is also the creator of Disney’s animated hit, The Replacements.

Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and a menagerie of pets. Check out his website dantat.com to see more of his fabulous artwork!

Here’s an interesting personal note about Santat.

His grandmother was going to go to his wedding. He studied Thai so he could actually have a meaningful chat with her.

Unfortunately, she got Alzheimers and he didn’t get to see her that one last time. His dedication for Drawn Together is for her and the conversation they never had.

(By the way, I am going to a local two-day symposium on children’s literature. You’ll never guess who one of the keynote speakers is. Dan Santat! I’m so excited to hear him speak — especially now that I’ve read this book!)

Santat created a video about Drawn Together. It’s fun to watch!

You can get a copy of this picture book on Amazon for $12.