My Friend Maggie

PreS-Gr 1—Paula (a beaver) and Maggie (an elephant) have been friends forever, and though they're worlds apart in terms of size and abilities, they enjoy being together—whether they are taking silly pictures in a photo booth or splashing in the mud. Then one day, Veronica (a dog) manages to divide the two pals, but not for long. After a brief yet hurtful period of disloyalty, Paula is surprised to find that she can still rely on Maggie to be the best friend ever. As in Nancy Carlson's books and the collaborations by Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger, the focus is on life issues such as feelings, moral character, and self-esteem. This time she aptly addresses peer pressure and its influence on friendships. Enhancing the enlightening tale, Harrison's exemplary acrylic paintings of anthropomorphic animals serve as valuable information in helping children recognize facial expressions.