What would we do without our best friends? All of the pairs found in these books complement one another, share likes and dislikes, and defend each other. Young readers may unknowingly absorb some good life lessons about friendship and sharing from these characters’ actions.
DICAMILLO, Kate. Bink and Gollie, Two for One. illus. by Tony Fucile. Candlewick. 2011. ISBN 9780763633615. JLG Level: E: Easy Reading (Grades 1-3)
Bink and Gollie are the best of friends, despite differences in appearance and interests. Readers who first met them in DiCamillo’s first title about the two know that they will do anything for each other, and when the State Fair is in town, adventure is not far behind. The artwork is sparkling, and the text has just enough challenging vocabulary to keep new readers learning and growing, just like Bink and Gollie.
LIN, Grace. Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same! Little, Brown. 2010. ISBN 9780316024525. JLG Level: E: Easy Reading (Grades 1-3)
If you’re lucky, your own sister may be your best friend—that’s how it is for identical twins Ling and Ting. But just because they look alike, it doesn’t mean they think alike! Readers will be delighted by these two vivacious girls—one with crooked bangs for easy identification—as they engage in fun activities such as dumpling making and learning magic tricks. Richly colored illustrations exude the warmth Ling and Ting feel for each other.
NYEU, Tao. Squid and Octopus: Friends for Always. Dial. June 2012. ISBN 9780803735651. JLG Level: E+: Easy Reading (Grades 1-3)
These four short stories are perfect for very young listeners who like their stories sweet and simple. A lot of personality is built into the illustrations—Octopus is an artist, so he wears a beret, of course, and the sea life around the two friends teems with puns and inside jokes. Even when they disagree, Squid and Octopus find a way to handle their differences, offering a gentle lesson to readers.
SCHAEFER, Carole Lexa. Monkey and Elephant. illus. by Galia Bernstein. Candlewick, 2012. ISBN 9780763648404. JLG Level: E+: Easy Reading (Grades 1-3)
Monkey and Elephant decide to get out of the midday heat that is starting to make them a little cranky. When Monkey goes too slowly and Elephant’s gait is too bumpy, readers might worry about these two friends, but when they start singing together, things start looking up! There’s an exciting rescue too, exhibiting the friends’ loyalty to each other, that adds just enough tension to the story to create a satisfying ending.
Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.
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About Dodie Ownes
