What James Said
by Liz Rosenberg (Author) Matthew Myers (Illustrator)
A funny, heartfelt, perfectly pitched story about misunderstandings and the importance of true friendship.
When a little girl thinks that her best friend James has been saying bad things about her behind her back, she takes action in the form of the silent treatment. As they go about their day and James tries harder and harder to get her to talk to him, they both realize that true friendship surpasses any rumor... or misunderstanding. A classic childhood situation is brought to life with humor and poignancy with energetic illustrations by Matt Myers and a simple, telling text by Liz Rosenberg. A Neal Porter Book
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Publishers Weekly
The team behind Tyrannosaurus Dad examines how conflicts often arise from simple misunderstandings. The narrator is a primary school-aged Caucasian girl with brown hair and freckles; her friend James is an African-American boy with glasses and an openhearted smile. She stands glowering on the left side of a spread, hands on her hips. "I'm never talking to James again," she announces. James stands on the facing page, innocently balancing books on his head. What has James done? He said, the girl has heard through the school grapevine, "that I think I am perfect." She shuns him at school, and James, whose clowning hides sensitivity and intuition, knows something is wrong. A school art show and a blue ribbon for a picture the girl drew reveal what James actually said: "I think it's perfect.... That's what I tell everyone." Phew! Rosenberg lets the characters tell their own story without moralizing, and Myers's attention to emotion makes it easy to sympathize with them. There's lots to talk about here. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Jenny Bent, Bent Agency. Illustrator's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (June)
Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.School Library Journal
K-Gr 3--Telephone is a game that many children have enjoyed for generations--that is, when the game is intentional. But what about when something gets passed from person to person and it isn't fun for everyone involved? In Rosenberg's charming picture book, a girl is upset by what she perceives to be a derogatory comment coming from her best friend. James has never treated her unkindly before, which makes the comment even more surprising. Through some persistence, some patience, and even some luck, she finally unveils "what James said" and realizes how she misinterpreted it. This simple story will resonate with young readers who are learning to navigate the tricky waters of friendship. Myers's illustrations are created with "cheap ballpoint pen and watercolor." Don't let the description dissuade--they are simply delightful. Sprinkled with additional childlike embellishments, the realistic artwork shows great emotion and detail that will engage the intended audience. A clever read that can be shared with a group and is perfect for independent reading. VERDICT Witty, relatable, and a great purchase for children in any setting.--Megan Egbert, Meridian Library District, ID
Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Liz Rosenberg is the author of Tyrannosaurus Dad, also illustrated by Matthew Myers and nearly 30 more books for children. She's also a best selling novelist for adults. She teaches at Binghamton University and divides her time between upstate NY, Florida, and North Ireland.
Even though Matthew Myers never got any ribbons for his art in school, he stuck with it until he won the best prize of all: getting to make pictures all day. Matthew has illustrated Tyrannosaurus Dad and the hilarious Musk Ox series (A is for Musk Ox, Musk Ox Counts, and The World According to Musk Ox) with Roaring Brook Press. He lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, in a house with paint spatters all over the floor.Best friends
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