Imagine You and Me

by Benson Shum, Benson Shum (Illustrator)

Overview

A gentle story—with a surprise twist!—about the bond between an imaginative bear and his best friend.

Randall and Parker are the very best of friends—they do everything together, from building elaborate sand castles to swimming with mermaids. One day while they’re playing, they see another group of bears nearby, and Parker urges Randall to ask the bears to play with them.

But there’s one problem: None of the other bears can see Parker. And the more time Randall spends with this new sloth of friends, the less he sees Parker too. Until one day, she disappears, and Randall must dig through his memories to find her.

This gentle story celebrates the beauty and magic of adventures with friends, both imaginary and real.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593617076
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	01/23/2024
Sold by:	Penguin Group
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
File size:	13 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

Editorial Reviews

11/06/2023

Bipedal yellow bear Randall and brown-skinned human pal Parker adore being together (they even sport matching glasses), but the pair’s relationship begins to morph when Randall spends time with others. Initial beach scenes showcase the duo “lifting each other up when needed,” and Parker takes on the role of cheerleader when Randall reluctantly interacts with a sloth of other bears—acquaintances who embrace Randall but can’t seem to see Parker. As the ursine friend’s confidence grows, the human child begins to fade, and the narrative turns bittersweet until Randall discovers he can use memory to summon his pal’s companionship. Black calligraphic outlining gives the figural, digitally finished renderings a light-handed energy, while pale watercolors gentle Shum’s amiable portrayal of friendship. Ages 3–7. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

★  "Shum masterfully conveys mood . . . The limited color palette of the watercolor and ink scenes and spartan design emphasize facial expressions. The narrative reads on two very different levels, keeping adults from tiring of the story; the emotional cues are all spot on. Few picture books ring so true in so few words. An essential work on making friends, being brave, and dealing with the inherent emotional turmoil of growing up." —School Library Journal, starred review

"Shum crafts a narrative that tenderly revels in the emotional support and the exciting play an imaginary friend can provide, and the torn, nostalgic feelings of growing apart from one’s make-believe pals . . . A loving meditation on friendships new and old, found on the playground or playing pretend, Randall and Parker’s adventure is sure to be a hit with shy bears and daring dreamers alike." —BCCB

"This gentle, matter-of-fact tale will appeal to children longing to make new friends but a bit uncertain about doing so . . . A thoughtful look at making new friends." —Kirkus

From the Publisher

★ 05/24/2024

PreS-Gr 3—A shy bear expands his social circle with his friend's support in a coming-of-age tale brimming with subtle emotion. Best friends Randall, a bear, and Parker, a young girl, share every adventure. When Randall meets some new bears he thinks might be fun, he's scared to approach them. However, Parker encourages him. The bears have fun together and soon Randall spends more time with his new friends, facing a fundamental dilemma. To move on from Parker without betraying what they had together? Shum (First Night of Howlergarten) masterfully conveys mood. Randall's body language is relaxed with Parker but tenses up when out of his element. Parker's face is always earnest with a hint of a smile. The other bears appear raucous at first, dominating the page, but as they become friends, their postures align. The limited color palette of the watercolor and ink scenes and spartan design emphasize facial expressions. The narrative reads on two very different levels, keeping adults from tiring of the story; the emotional cues are all spot on. Few picture books ring so true in so few words. The conclusion is a near tearjerker for adults who will remember leveling up to a new group of friends; young readers will be encouraged to reach outside their comfort zone. It's a win-win reading experience for all. VERDICT An essential work on making friends, being brave, and dealing with the inherent emotional turmoil of growing up.—Jessica A. Bushore

School Library Journal

2023-10-21
A young bear and a girl share a special friendship.

Randall, a bespectacled, sandy-colored bear, is best friends with Parker, a brown-skinned tot who wears her hair in puffs and has matching red glasses. Randall and Parker do everything together. They especially love to build intricate sand castles and eat ice cream. But one day, three bears playing nearby interrupt their fun. Parker encourages Randall to introduce himself, and they all shyly become friends. Except…the other bears don’t seem to notice Parker. In fact, the more they hang out together (Randall even starts wearing the same striped neckties as the others), the more Parker seems to fade away. Astute readers will realize what’s going on: Parker, who nudges Randall to be more outgoing and pushes him to try new things, may not be there at all. But not to worry; she comes back whenever he thinks of her. This gentle, matter-of-fact tale will appeal to children longing to make new friends but a bit uncertain about doing so. Shum uses light-blue sketches to convey the two pals’ imaginary play; when Parker starts to fade, she’s also outlined in blue, with only her bright-red glasses remaining. But she’ll always be there whenever Randall needs her. And, in an inspired twist, Parker finds a new pal of her own: a bear cub in need of an imaginary friend.

A thoughtful look at making new friends. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews