Title: Two Can
Author: Smriti Prasadam-Halls
Illustrator: Ben Javens
Age Group: 0-4
Synopsis: A pair of siblings discover the joy of playing together.
The Lowdown:
I am somewhat apprehensive about how Bug and Peanut will get along. Bug is ecstatic about having a little sibling but as pleased as he is now, I know that excitement will fade when the reality of this new little person sets in. There will be fighting, I know. I just hope that their relationship is healthy enough to weather such storms. So I’m already trying to create the foundations of a strong friendship. We’ve purchased a gift for Bug from Peanut for when he comes to visit at the hospital. We’ve discussed how we want them to meet and where Peanut should be. How to include Bug after the birth and make sure he feels appreciated. One of the ideas that I’m crazy in love with, is that we’ve purchased a few easy reads and Bug has been practicing with them so he can read them to Peanut all by himself. Two Can is one of his favorites and is perfect to promote sibling love. 
The fact that the entire book uses a variety of only six words but still manages to convey so much, is truly amazing. It is also why it’s a great read for Bug, who is continuing to build his reading confidence. Two Can follows an older sister and a younger brother. The sister takes a bit of joy in the fact that her younger sibling is unable to do the same things that she can. But she gets understandably annoyed when he tries to play along with her and only ends up destroying her creations. The book focuses on Can’t during these pages, underlining the negativity permeating the situation. However, it’s here that the story takes a turn, as the sister notices that other children are having fun in activities that require two people or that her brother is able to do some things that she can’t. In the end, the two realize that playing together is more fun than apart and end on a very positive note.
Javens illustrates the pages in a style that has a very retro/vintage feel to it and mirrors the simplicity of the text. Like the text only using six words, Javens uses less than ten colors in his pictures. However, also like the text he does a really wonderful job of adding depth to the pictures by using a range of emotions that speak to young readers. The placement of the characters and the use of negative space really allow for the illustrations to really pop and draw little ones’ attention. It’s all very strategic and gives the end product a lovely polished feel that takes the book from retro to more modernly clean.
I can’t wait to see how Bug and Peanut get on and although I’m a bit nervous I know with the right support, they’ll hopefully be fine. I also need to leave a bit of it up to the universe because some people just don’t get along and I can’t force my kids to be something they’re not. I can however encourage and create an environment that fosters a positive relationship, but that’s about it. Hopefully these initial steps help. Even if Bug and Peanut don’t end up the best of friends, they’ll hopefully always know that they can rely on each other because together, they CAN do anything.
Story Tips:
- This is perfect for discussing feelings and possible reactions to hypothetical situations.
- The basic word usage in this book is ideal for emerging readers to practice and hone their skills. Encourage your child to read along with you by taking long pauses before reading the next word. They might surprise you by jumping in with the correct word!
I need more!
Smriti Prasadam-Halls has way more books available than I initially thought. I’d heard of one or two but can’t wait to check out her Pairs! series that spectacularly illustrated and deals with underwater and garden settings. For more about her and her publications: http://www.smriti.co.uk
Ben Javens is a mysterious fellow on whom there isn’t much information. He’s done a coloring book in addition to Two Can but other than that, all I can see are some prints and commercial work. And although there’s not much there, here’s his website: http://benjavens.co.uk/
