When Paul Met Artie: The Story of Simon & Garfunkel

Neri tells the endearing story of the sometimes rocky partnership between folk rock duo Simon and Garfunkel, beginning as children in Queens. Vignettes detail formative events in the boys’ lives, the words displayed on the pages like song lyrics and paired with song titles like “The Only Living Boy in New York” and “The Sound of Silence.” Litchfield’s images show their evolution from gawky boys into young adults wearing their iconic mock turtlenecks and staid expressions. When Simon records a solo album without telling Garfunkel, it causes a rift, and the two part ways—until they cross paths on the Queensboro Bridge and reconnect: “Like slipping/into an old coat,/ they start singing/ Paul’s new songs/ together.” Neri gently underscores how, while Simon and Garfunkel found lasting fame, they began as friends who loved singing together. Ages 9–12. Author’s agent: Edward Necarsulmer IV, Dunow, Carlson & Lerner. Illustrator’s agent: the Bright Agency. (Mar.)