In a busy world, Together by Jane Chapman is a slow, comfortable, tranquil read about sadness and the importance of friendship.

Baby gorilla is alone and sad. He sits silently in the trees watching the rainfall and smelling the food that is drifting from afar. That is until a bigger gorilla appears and offers him the hand of friendship.

Baby is feeling happier now that someone is there to share their food, family, and fun times with him. He still feels sad sometimes but he knows he has a friend who will be there for him.

The illustrations throughout are full-page and just like the front cover they are a mixture of greens, greys, and blacks. The images are very subdued and whilst I normally don’t like pictures like this in a children’s book, preferring vivid and bright colours to keep their attention and interest, the colours and the dullness of them work to great a calming and relaxing feel.

The plot is very sweet and the message of friendship and compassion is strong, though I do feel the book needs to be read slowly and the words and illustrations combined to fully understand the meaning. Together is emotional and thought-provoking and I enjoyed reading it immensely.