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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 782.421649
EAN num: 9780439669436
ISBN number: 043966943X
Label: Scholastic Paperbacks
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 32
Printing Date: February 01, 2005
Publishing house: Scholastic Paperbacks
Age index: Ages 4-8
Sale Popularity Level: 291410
Studio: Scholastic Paperbacks
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
Category: Fathers and Sons'Just the two of usBuilding castles in the skyJust the two of us, You and I.'Will Smith--- musician, actor, and father--brings us a moving celebration of fatherhood. Smith's heartfelt lyrics and Kadir Nelson's vibrant paintings capture the beauty and intensity of a father's love as his child grows from a boy into a man. This poignant portrait will resonate with fathers and sons everywhere.
Amazon.com Review:
'Just the two of us, we can make it if we try.... Just the two of us, you and I.'
If you were a radio-owner on planet Earth circa 1998, you might have a hard time not bobbing your head--and, yes, maybe even rapping--along with this book from Will 'Big Willie Style' Smith and illustrator Kadir Nelson.
That's because the words for Just the Two of Us are lifted from the lyrics to Smith's smash-hit single of the same name, a remake of the Bill Withers classic. True to the song, this radiantly drawn picture book follows a father as he watches his son grow into a man. Tender imagery (especially for hip-hop) details the dad's early, unfamiliar struggles with everything from child car seats to CD-ROMs, his aspirations ('Sometimes I wonder what you're gonna be, a general, a doctor, maybe an MC'), his worries ('Ooh there ain't no pain like from the opposite sex'), and his attempts to impart wisdom ('Always tell the truth, say your prayers, hold doors, pull out chairs, easy on the swears').
Nelson, whose work has appeared in everything from Sports Illustrated to The New Yorker, seems an ideal foil for Smith's colloquial stylings, contributing rich, vibrantly colored spreads that evocatively capture the subject matter without being overly sentimental. A must for fans of Will Smith, especially 'all the fathers out there holdin' it down' (to whom Smith gives 'special props'). (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes
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Rated by buyers 
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"Just the two of us,
Building castles in the sky.
Just the two of us,
You and I."
Every time I came to this refrain in the book, I sang it to the Bill Withers's song of the same title. Sure enough--right on the copyright page is accredited the 1980 song used in this book, "Just the two of us." That is when I discovered also that this was a hit rap song by Will Smith. I knew he was a rapper, but never listened, so I was not familiar with the song.
"Just the Two of Us" was adapted by Smith in this celebration of fatherhood and responsibility. It is also Smith's song about his deep and abiding love for his son. According to the lyrics, Smith fell in love at seventeen. When his girlfriend became pregnant, they did the responsible thing and were married. It ended at some point with Smith obtaining custody.
Just as his parents before him, Smith works to teach his son how to be a man: "Dignity, integrity, honor..." and "Always tell the truth, say your prayers, hold doors, pull out chairs, easy on the swears..."
The closing words: "Daddy loves you! Daddy loves you! for the rest of your life." These are words that spring tears because of the power of their declaration. You know Will Smith means what he says.
The third part of the collaboration is the artwork of Kadir Nelson: beautiful, intense, and vivid, rendered in pencil and oil paint. I'm not sure why he adds the little exaggerations like that awful sway in Smith's back and the large skulls of both Smith and his son. Those are not very attractive, but not enough to take away from the gorgeous sunset picture of Smith and his son--orange sky, seagulls sweeping low, making a catch
At any rate the original Withers song as the creative source, plus the top-selling rap version, placed into a combination book of bright, happy yet realistic illustrations. This is a book that stays checked out in my school library.
Good job, Will Smith, on all fronts!
Rated by buyers -
I highly recommend this book to any dad, but especially to the divorced dads out there. This is a sweet story about a little boy and his dad and how they love and care for each other - reference is made to mom in a positive yet honest way - nice.
Rated by buyers 
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My husband reads this book to my son every year for his birthday; he's now 6. When he reads it tears come to my eyes because of the sensitivity of the verses.
This is Will Smith's song "Just the Two of Us" set to pictures in a story format. You never realize how powerful some rap/R&B music is until you read it. This proves that.
Rated by buyers -
I think this book is realy good. I recomend to any parent to read this to thier child. will Smith is an excellent storyteller in this touching book.
Rated by buyers -
Don't skip the dedication or title page, especially if you are familiar with Will Smith' rap career. This is a charming illustrion of Smith's version of the 1980 love song, reinterpreted and revamped to celebrate the special bond between a father and son. The pictures are engaging and keep the text from turning sappy. Great book for dads to read to their sons.
A word of caution to teachers - know your audience. Don't use this book as a read aloud if you have fatherless boys in your class.
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