children's picture book (reviewed by uncorrected galley), ages 2-5
sweet rhyming text and Varon's winning illustrations emphasize staying close to loved ones and helping each other. Sometimes the instances when you'd hold hands are physically awkward (or maybe just look that way in Varon's cartoons) such as when getting into the car, across the table eating cheese, or when getting a goodnight kiss from your parent (I would keep my hands snugly under the blankets, but maybe my drafty house is colder than most), but they are certainly possible, for the most part.
I would like to see more differently-abled characters--a blind man on the bus, a kid in a wheelchair (not necessarily holding hands with anyone) incidentally included in the pictures. That would be nicer. ( )

Simple, short rhyming story. This tells you that it is okay to hold someone's hand when you need a friend, when you need help, or when you need comfort. The illustrations are colorful, and I think this would be a fun storytime read. ( )

3.5 stars, rounded up. This is a very cute book about holding hands. With a rhyming text and delightful illustrations, the author shows the importance of holding hands. Whether it is for safety (crossing the street) for comfort (when someone is sad), for confidence (going down steep stairs) or just for friendship, holding hands is a wonderful thing to do. My only drawback was that occasionally, the pacing and cadence changed and was a bit off for the rhyming patterns. I find that often, little ones don't want to hold hands because they think they are getting too big and grown up, so this would also be a good story to use when you are trying to keep a little one holding on for safety. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own. ( )