Kirkus Best Book

“Don’t boop this book away! Embrace this lively, creative look at asserting one’s boundaries.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“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)

“A lyrical lesson on personal boundaries with illustrations guaranteed to help enhance young readers’ vocabularies and imaginations.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

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.