Sister and Brother Forgotten, Left-Behind, and Every-Day-Missed are a few of the names used to describe the adorable siblings at the center of this story of love, loss, and longing. Taught that, “once together, never apart,” Sister and Brother embark on a quest that begins when Granny becomes too old to care for them.

Granny gives them her old black shawl and sends them to Eldest Uncle’s cabin. Sing the following song whenever you are afraid, she advises: Earth turn / Breeze blow / Brave seeds / Wind sow / Take me / With you / With you when you go.

The children sing (sheet music is provided so readers can sing along) throughout each journey, from Eldest Uncle and his mean wife, to Second Uncle and Aunt, and then finally to Uncle Broken-Heart where they learn their parents’ identities. Brother and Sister are self-sufficient, resourceful, and kind, so they can live under any condition, but they long to be reunited with their parents. They spend the last half of the novella trying to locate them, despite numerous obstacles that stand in their way.

Illustrations of Brother and Sister—bundled together at birth, toiling for their relatives, maneuvering wooden puppets carved in the images of their parents—reinforce the close-knit relationship reflected in the narrative.

The real treasure of the story is its connection to fairytales and folklore; for example, the mystical peddler who pops up whenever Brother and Sister are scared, lost, confused, or lonely, or the magical reappearance of spring and talking trees. Take Me with You When You Go will make a great bedtime story for the older child.

—FOREWORD MAGAZINE Book Review by Kaavonia Hinton

In this fairytale, a brother and sister go in search of their mother and father. The author keeps a fairytale cadence throughout the book. Smoothly written, the story moves at a strong pace without becoming bogged down in side issues. There is a kindness about the book, realistic conflicts, and incidents of humor….  Interesting, expressive illustrations enhance the text. In all, a winner for young readers, or for group audiences. Well done. Recommended.

—Juneau Public Library Review Committee, Nancy Ferrell

A good story lasts a lifetime, especially one that awakens compassion or courage. Take Me With You tells of a journey fraught with hardships but driven by kindness, love, and loyalty.  I carry its images with me.  It leaves a mark.

—Adriane Lonzarich, educator and storyteller

I really, really, really liked the book. I liked the part about the grandmother best. And my mother liked it, too. She was excited about it. I write lots of books, too.

—Olivia Cicciarelli

I love the way it flows. The world needs more stories like this, I think; stories in the timeless tradition of the fairy tale where children overcome enormous obstacles to survive and succeed best when they are kind and giving.

—Marcia Bhide, photographer and author of The Simbidia Box

[It] took us into our own imaginations and colorful thoughts. We were thrilled when Brother and Sister found a world of blossoming hope.

—Jeremy Leary and Ruby Pinyuh-Derovan, grade 3

Lyric, and charming. A delight to read. I was deeply engaged by the themes and images resonating throughout this book—our longings for love, connection, and identity…..a tonic for children questioning who they are and where they fit in the world.

—Joan Stockbridge, storyteller, author of Tales from Africa, Tales from Japan, and Tales from Mexico

A master storyteller. The plot is fast-paced with lots of humor, the language a song. My students were pleased by this and by the clarity of the tale.

—Ruth Mulera Vance, teacher, grades 2-4

I loved the story and voice. I can still see the two children on their journeys, and hear the sad innocence and hope in their search. The drawings are wonderful too…evocative.

—Keren Abra, teacher

Let us know what you think, too.