Will Smith Book:

		List Price: $5.99		Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks Salesrank: 71607
		Our Price: $1.80
		Used Price: $1.79
		Media: Paperback

Editorial Review:

Description of Just The Two Of Us (bkshelf) (Scholastic Bookshelf):
"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

Just The Two Of Us (bkshelf) (Scholastic Bookshelf) Reviews:
Awesome story
2008-01-12 - 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.

Good book for little Boys and Daddys
2007-12-04 - 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.

A good kid's book!
2006-01-12 - 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.

Between Divorced Dads And Sons
2005-12-21 - 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.


A Tribute to Fathers and Sons
2003-06-27 - Will Smith bases Just the Two of Us on his rap song of the same title. The book shows a father giving advice on growing up and sharing his experiences with his son. The book instills good morals and values while showing love, support, and encouragement. The pictures by Kadir Nelson are simply breathtaking and show the life stages of a baby growing into a young man. This highly recommended book gives testimony to the unique relationship between father and son.