Together

by Heather Stricker, Martha Ratcliff (Illustrator)

Together is the story of a little boy who visits Santa, but instead of asking for gifts he tells Santa he simply wants to spend time together with his family enjoying all of their favorite holiday traditions. As he says, "it doesn't matter what we do, something grand or something small, I know our time together is the greatest gift of all." Together is a finalist for an IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award and has been called, “a thoughtful tale that reflects what is most important during the Christmas season,” by Kirkus Reviews. Reader’s Favorite awarded Together a Five Star review, noting, “I highly recommend this book and believe every home, public library and school library should have a copy – or two.” Blogger, Celebrate at Home wrote, “There are many books that I love to read with my kids at Christmas, but the new book, Together, has become my very favorite, because it expresses the sentiment that I want my children to feel every Christmas.”

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Childrens, Holiday

36 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Jill]

A sweet story reminding readers that being together is what Christmas is all about. The boy gives numerous activities that his family can do together as examples. It's in rhyme with uneven meter.

The book was inspired by the author's son who writes a letter to Santa asking for a game night with his family instead of a gift. It reminded me of my daughter, whose favorite memory was of our renting movies and spending a day at home watching them. That time together, not gifts, the trip to Hawaii, or other elaborate activities, was special to her.

[Erin]

Good message with simple well written text and charming illustrations.

[Sahuna Imran]

I watched the read aloud video of this book on YouTube by Little cub Literacy.
Sam reads the book and I love the way she reads. The illustrations were awesome.
Together by Heather Stricker is a beautiful Christmas book that makes you feel so good.
In the beginning Santa asks the little boy what he would like as a present for Christmas and the little boy refuses and explains how he wants to spend time with his family he has so many interesting ways he can spend the holiday with his family that is amazing.
I would recommend this book to all the children around the world.

[Mama Bearian]

When Santa asks a little boy what he wants for Christmas, he says that he doesn’t want toys or games, he just wants to spend time with his family. It’s a great message to spread at Christmas, and would be a perfect addition to an “experience” gift (family activity, vacation, etc.) to help emphasize the importance of togetherness over “stuff.”

[Kathryn]

Together is a heart-warming story inspired by the author’s 7-year-old son about what Christmas is all about. The perfect story to remind us of what matters most in our life, the people we love, and how we come to cherish the memories of time spent with those closest to us doing the simplest of things. A must-read and for families during the holidays and for years to come.

[Danette]

Celebrates the many ways we can spend time together.

12/26/20 Read with Julia

[Marj]

I simply MUST have four copies of this book for my grandchildren! It perfectly captured OUR Christmas this year--2021!

This will be a precious, re-read book for many years.

[Karri Theis]

One of my favorite books of 2020, and a new Christmas tradition! I love everything about this book: the message of enjoying the simple holiday moments with family, the heartwarming and fun rhyme, and the gorgeous illustrations.

My daughters love it too! It reminds us what Christmas is all about: love, and sharing time with friends/family.
Beautifully done!