Can I Sit with You?

by Sarah Jacoby

Overview

The story of a girl and a dog who discover how life transforms and expands with someone by your side.

With lyrical text and stunning illustrations, this empathy read illustrates the power of friendship in the face of change. Can I Sit with You? takes readers along one loyal dog's journey with the girl he's meant to be with, no matter how far she roams. This timeless picture book illustrates the importance of companionship and loyalty, and how engaging with others makes the world embrace you in return.

• From beloved author-illustrator Sarah Jacoby
• Full of playful, incredibly emotive illustrations
• Celebrates the importance of connection and unconditional love

Readers young and old will enjoy this moving story about the unbreakable bond between a girl and a dog.

• Children's books for kids ages 5–8
• Perfect for animal lovers
• Great empathy read

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781452169309
Publisher:	Chronicle Books
Publication date:	03/09/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	44
File size:	10 MB
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Sarah Jacoby is the author and illustrator of Forever or a Day and the illustrator of Rabbit and the Motorbike and The Important Thing about Margaret Wise Brown. She lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Editorial Reviews

12/14/2020

A diminutive brown hound offers loyal companionship to a human no matter what the circumstances, a vow it voices in lyrical free verse through the refrain “Can I sit with you?” In opening pages, the alert dog, alone on the street, seems taken with a girl sporting straight black hair. “May I ask you a question?” it appears to inquire, and then launches into a lengthy, many-paged appreciation. Whether the girl is “brimming like a ringing bell” (she faces an intimidating throng of children), “lonely like an empty plate” (she walks with a lunch tray into a round, empty, gray space), crying and alone, or ready for a hug, the dog is game for an embrace. Finally, the two begin a life together and share a cozy armchair, the girl’s face aglow with love. Watercolor and pastel artwork by Jacoby (Rabbit and the Motorbike) offers shifting, shimmering fields of color. Even the dog understands the emotional impact of the hues: “when you need a deep blue dark—/ Can I sit with you?” it says, planted by her side on a Prussian blue winter night. The dog doesn’t worry when the girl meets friends or explores alone—“I’ll understand the stray in you. It’s in my nature, too”—offering a saintly, patient presence in this portrait of pure-hearted canine love. Ages 5–8. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

"Watercolor and pastel artwork by Jacoby (Rabbit and the Motorbike) offers shifting, shimmering fields of color. Even the dog understands the emotional impact of the hues: 'when you need a deep blue dark-/ Can I sit with you?' it says, planted by her side on a Prussian blue winter night. . . . [The dog is] a saintly, patient presence in this portrait of pure-hearted canine love."-Publishers Weekly

"Like a reassuring lullaby, the poetic text is graceful and earnest: 'And even if you wander, ramble or roam, I know looking high and low can show you what you left at home.' The expressive illustrations succeed in reinforcing the heartfelt tone of the story through softly blended watercolors and pastels. A touching ode to the formative experience of learning to love and being loved in ­return."-School Library Journal

"This sweet, lovely tale should spark thoughtful conversations about friendship and empathy between children and adults. Pastel and watercolor illustrations brim with color and emotion, mirroring the protagonists' light and occasional somber feelings with every page turn. Young readers will want to sit with this pair. They're made for each other."-Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Jacoby's lyrical poem is narrated by [a] little pooch that approaches a girl as she's out walking with an adult. . . . Charming watercolor illustrations, created with NuPastel and mixed media, deftly reveal their growing friendship and dependency. The gently rhyming text and engaging pictures will appeal to youngsters who have or want a dog of their own."-Booklist 

From the Publisher

02/01/2021

PreS-Gr 2—A young child and a stray dog find comfort and companionship in one another in this moving tale of unconditional love. Throughout the highs, lows, and in-betweens, the pair enjoy life together. Their connection helps ease the loneliness of tough school days and elevates the joy of experiencing new adventures. The transformative power of the dog's steadfast friendship builds the foundation for the child to open up to others and stand stronger. While the child grows both in age and independence, the dog's loyalty never falters. The purity of the dog's devotion is rewarded with the now older child's return and their mutual affection. Like a reassuring lullaby, the poetic text is graceful and earnest: "And even if you wander, ramble or roam, I know looking high and low can show you what you left at home." The expressive illustrations succeed in reinforcing the heartfelt tone of the story through softly blended watercolors and pastels. The child has pale skin and black hair, and inhabits a diverse world with background characters depicted in a range of skin tones and hair colors. VERDICT A touching ode to the formative experience of learning to love and being loved in return.—Sophie Kenney, Aurora P.L., IL

School Library Journal

★ 2021-01-13
A child and dog forge a life-altering bond.

A scruffy brown dog meets a child on the street. Knowing intuitively they’re meant to be together, it politely inquires, “May I ask you a question?” and later asks, “Can I sit with you?” The first-person narration assures the child it will remain “familiar, loyal, true” through shyness, loneliness, tears, and good times. Child and dog soon ride around town (on the subway and a basket-equipped bike), take walks, and frolic. As the simple text and lush illustrations clarify, a gradual, subtle shift in the duo’s relationship dynamic occurs. The child, initially portrayed as a loner, eventually engages with the world with self-confidence and makes friends—as does the dog. The dog accepts it’s OK they won’t always sit alone together but knows its companion will always return: “I’ll understand the stray in you. It is in my nature, too.” At the end, the child (depicted with straight, dark hair and pale skin) returns to the jubilant pup from a “ramble” to these promising words: “I will sit with you.” But the takeaway is tantalizing: Who’s speaking to whom? This sweet, lovely tale should spark thoughtful conversations about friendship and empathy between children and adults. Pastel and watercolor illustrations brim with color and emotion, mirroring the protagonists’ light and occasional somber feelings with every page turn.

Young readers will want to sit with this pair. They’re made for each other. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews