This is a big week for illustrator Sharon Glick and me, because every public-school first grader in Bozeman, Montana, is receiving a copy of We Match!—the first time I know of that happening with any of my books. Exciting, right? HUGE thanks to the local school foundation for making that happen, and for bringing our story of joyfully discovering common ground to so many readers.

But it’s also going to be the first time that many of the parents or teachers of these kids will find themselves reading aloud a graphic-novel-style picture book, so Sharon and I and the folks at Astra Young Readers made this video to help them out.

The most important thing to do when sharing We Match!—besides having fun—is to take the opportunity to talk about ways that you and whoever you’re with might match, just as the dogs (and mystery critter, Waffles) in the book do. You’ll find more than you might think!

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Reviews of We Match!

The Horn Book: “Glick’s energetic and affectionate illustrations are a fine match (heh heh) for Barton’s cleverly comical text.”

Kirkus Reviews: “A fetching reminder to look for what brings us together.”

Publishers Weekly: “Excellent fodder for charting and diagramming exercises, it’s also a funny and pointed object lesson about learning new tricks when it comes to seeking common ground.”

Silver Unicorn Bookstore: “Love this picture book that shows young readers that we have far more in common than just the way we look. Books like this are needed now more than ever.”

Texas Highways: “[B]oth a delight to read and a sight to behold.”