Picture Book Thursday--Me With You by Kristy Dempsey

Father's Day is coming up and maybe you're looking for something to give a Grandpa? Well, Me With You by Kristy Dempsey just might be what you're looking for!

In this sweet picture book, a little girl goes through all the things she loves doing with her grandfather: tea parties, watering the garden, singing, playing baseball and more. She also talks about how her grandfather supports her, helps her, and forgives her grumpy moods. My favorite line from the book is the last one:
And though I'll find new ways of being me my whole life through, my favorite me will always be....when I am me with you.

Kristy Dempsey's words fall into the short but sweet category with this one. Perfect for the younger preschool set with short rhyming phases. And Christopher Denise's illustrations make this book a true winner! Every page is full of wonderful detail bringing the girl bear and her granddad to life. I love how expressive the bears are and the background details are fun. In one image, there is a doll house with Goldilocks and the three bears as dolls for the house.

This is a wonderful little gift for a granddaugther to give a grandfather for Father's Day. The book could stay at Grandpa's house so they could read it together when she visits! The book hits bookstores today, May 14th, if you want to rush out and get a copy for you or as a gift.

Thanks to Jess from Penguin who sent me a copy of this one to review! My girls and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

About the author: Kristy Dempsey enjoyed swinging from trees and splashing in the creek as a child on her grandfather's farm in South Carolina. These days, she lives in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, where her favorite moments are spent with her husband and three children. In addition to writing, Kristy enjoys running and hand-painting glass tiles. And as often as possible, she still makes time to swing from a tree or two.

About the illustrator: As the father of two young girls, Christopher Denise knows about the special moments that children share with their loved ones. In Me With You, he brings that feeling to life with his beautiful, warm illustrations. Mr. Denise has illustrated many books for young readers, such as Pigs Love Potatoes, The Great Redwall Feast and A Redwall Winter's Tale. He has also exhibited his work at the annual Society of Illustrators show in New York City. Christopher lives with his wife, Anika, and their daughters in Barrington, Rhode Island.

(image courtesy of Barnes & Noble)