November 1, 2019
Ray and Graegin (The Thank You Book, 2018) team up again for this tribute to friendship. The text lyrically describes friendship: "Sometimes being friends begins all at once. // And sometimes it takes awhile to get acquainted. / But then, as some small knowing grows, you start feeling that feeling that comes with having a friend-- // as if there's sunshine in your pocket. / Or inside you." Ray shares what a friend is, what friends do together, and that they can be alike or different. Things aren't always rosy: Sometimes friends disagree or get mad ("But it doesn't last. / Because they're friends"), and one may have to be there for the other when "they need some extra sunshine." When you don't have a friend, it may help to think that somewhere, there is someone else just waiting to begin a friendship with you, and it may start with a simple, "Hello." The small trim size and earthy tones of the cozy illustrations echo the subject matter, and Graegin again uses both anthropomorphized animals and racially diverse people to set scenes of friends enjoying time together. Still, while sweet, what advice is here is vague--this is unlikely to help children make/keep friends or cheer up the friendless or those missing friends who are far away. A sweet celebration for those who don't need to build friendship skills. (Picture book. 4-7)
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December 1, 2019
PreS-Gr 2-In this book, Ray shows the development and importance of all types of friendships. She describes what a friend is, what it feels like to have one, and things you can do with friends. Endearing drawings feature animal and human characters enjoying one another's company in a variety of ways, such as sharing snacks, reading books, and watching movies. Illustrations are done in a folk-art style on creamy paper and echo the book's cheerful tone. Pastel colors are often used giving a dreamy quality to the artwork. The ups and downs of friendship are nicely captured in a smooth and sequential flow. This book can be used to illustrate the complex nature of friendship to young children. VERDICT A book that encourages children to celebrate and embrace unique friendships of all kinds.-Deanna Smith, Pender County Public Library, NC
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
December 16, 2019
This companion to The Thank You Book presents an ode to camaraderie of all kinds. In a cozily crafted world in which humans and anthropomorphic animals live in harmony, new friends brave first hellos, old friends read books and share lunches, and some friends fight (“But it doesn’t last./ Because they are friends”). Ray’s brightly poetic prose distills the joys (having a friend feels “as if there’s sunshine in your pocket./ Or inside you”) and challenges of companionship—sometimes friends need support (“maybe you say nothing. You’re just there”). An encouraging tone reminds readers that pals can be found in unexpected places and at unexpected times. Graegin’s pencil and watercolor spreads exude warmth and cheer as intimates share bicycles and tree branches, befitting this buoyant reminder that “being friends could begin when/ you say ‘Hello.’ ” Ages 4–7.