You and Me, Anemone

A Story About Friendship and Personal Space

Rachel Vail author Chris Raschka illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Publishing:17th Jul '25

£12.99

This title is due to be published on 17th July, and will be despatched as soon as possible.

You and Me, Anemone cover

Bestselling author Rachel Vail and multiple Caldecott Medal winner Chris Raschka shine a spotlight on the importance of personal space in this SEL standout that also celebrates the ocean and sea life. Includes back matter.

Don’t want to be booped? No problem! A sea anemone in the ocean confidently sets itself some personal boundaries, encouraging young readers on land to do the same.

You and Me, Anemone is a nuanced, thoughtful, playful picture book for young children about the delicate challenge of boundaries—having them, maintaining them, and respecting them in others. The playful, rhythmic, interactive text by award-winning author Rachel Vail pairs the science of sea life with social-emotional learning for terrific classroom potential. Two-time Caldecott Medal winner Chris Raschka’s illustrations—created by painting and stitching on burlap—are a visual and emotional showstopper with a ton of kid appeal. Back matter includes an author’s note and facts about the incredible sea anemone.

“Vail’s rhythmic, rhyming text has a playfulness to it that will propel readers forward, making it an ideal candidate for a vibrant, educational read-aloud. Raschka’s clever art uses paint and embroidery on burlap to create an expressive world full of textures and colors. . . . Don’t boop this book away! Embrace this lively, creative look at asserting one’s boundaries.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “In this standout social-emotional book, Vail’s assonant, songlike rhymes skillfully use a sea anemone to talk about personal space in a way that’s at once empowering and playful. . . . The clever art is an ideal partner to highly readable, percussive text that emphasizes the harmony that can arise from respecting others’ spaces and needs.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “In this nautical tongue-twister, readers follow the humble invertebrate’s example to advocate for personal boundaries and consent in hopes of a more harmonious world. . . . Vail supplies melodious rhymes crafted with strong vocabulary. . . . Caldecott winner Raschka stuns with a tapestry that has no shortage of eye-catching spreads perfect for large groups. . . . A lyrical lesson on personal boundaries with illustrations guaranteed to help enhance young readers’ vocabularies and imaginations. A must-buy for story hour shelves.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

ISBN: 9780063414723

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 401g

32 pages