REVIEWS
Librarian's Book choice
Once upon a time a tiny publisher found a book so perfect for the preschool children it specialised in that it strived long and hard to bring it eventually to the UK. That book was A Splendid Friend Indeed – shortlisted for the UKLA Book Award and beloved by those teacher judges for the simplicity of the text and the impact of the evocative illustrations and its emotional truth.
Like me those teachers will be jumping for joy to see the bear and his best friend again and will be slightly tense as they open the covers. But they can relax; once again we have the perfect rendition of a very typical emotional problem for children of any age. The temptation and attraction of the new friend juxtaposed with loyalty to the old friend.
There is incredible emotion in these skilfully rendered highly textured pastel pictures. A pre-reader could completely tell the story from the pictures alone and indeed it will prompt very valuable talk opportunities if you let them explain the pictures to you.
Without being at all preachy and issues-led and without any patronising notes for parents and teachers, this is a very valuable resource for emotional literacy and a brilliant demonstration of the efficacy of good quality picture books to speak to us all. We should all say a big Thank You to Alanna Books for bringing Bear and Goose to the UK to become our friends too!
Reviewed by Joy Court, Librarian on the Reading Zone
Once upon a time a tiny publisher found a book so perfect for the preschool children it specialised in that it strived long and hard to bring it eventually to the UK. That book was A Splendid Friend Indeed – shortlisted for the UKLA Book Award and beloved by those teacher judges for the simplicity of the text and the impact of the evocative illustrations and its emotional truth.
Like me those teachers will be jumping for joy to see the bear and his best friend again and will be slightly tense as they open the covers. But they can relax; once again we have the perfect rendition of a very typical emotional problem for children of any age. The temptation and attraction of the new friend juxtaposed with loyalty to the old friend.
There is incredible emotion in these skilfully rendered highly textured pastel pictures. A pre-reader could completely tell the story from the pictures alone and indeed it will prompt very valuable talk opportunities if you let them explain the pictures to you.
Without being at all preachy and issues-led and without any patronising notes for parents and teachers, this is a very valuable resource for emotional literacy and a brilliant demonstration of the efficacy of good quality picture books to speak to us all. We should all say a big Thank You to Alanna Books for bringing Bear and Goose to the UK to become our friends too!
Reviewed by Joy Court, Librarian on the Reading Zone
School Librarian Summer 2013
When Bear and Goose open a suitcase of toys, little Fox arrives and wants to play. Initially Bear warmly welcomes the newcomer, but quickly starts grumbling when Bear becomes the one to be left out. Soon it's up to Goose to solve the situation.
A dilemma faced by most young children (and many adults!) is deftly resolved by Goose's good will. A wonderful scene on the last page finds Goose and Fox perched on Bear's lap while Goose reads aloud and Fox snoozes contentedly.
When Bear and Goose open a suitcase of toys, little Fox arrives and wants to play. Initially Bear warmly welcomes the newcomer, but quickly starts grumbling when Bear becomes the one to be left out. Soon it's up to Goose to solve the situation.
A dilemma faced by most young children (and many adults!) is deftly resolved by Goose's good will. A wonderful scene on the last page finds Goose and Fox perched on Bear's lap while Goose reads aloud and Fox snoozes contentedly.
The bold simple text in this exceptional book
tells the story of complex emotions in only 100 words.
The vibrant blue, green and turquoise background provides a striking backdrop for the drama. Bear's size and beautifully textured polar coat cannot protect him from the roller-coaster of his own emotions. Little Fox, shy and sly by turns attempts to manipulate the situation while Goose's expressive eyes reflect his conflicting allegiances and anxiety.
This powerful story is a marvelous sequel to
A Splendid Friend Indeed and will be remembered for many years. An ideal book to read aloud to children of 3+,
this would be an excellent trigger for classroom discussions and candle times.
Rosemary Woodman
Rosemary Woodman
IBBY Link 36
It is impossible to imagine a more effective book about the trials and tribulations of friendship for younger readers than this one...
The warm written dialogue is simple and repetitive, situated in a series of vibrant and engaging illustrations. There is no clutter in this book, in either the words or the pictures, leaving plenty of room for some lengthy discussions between reader and adult on how we treat our friends and what really matters.
Sarah Stokes
It is impossible to imagine a more effective book about the trials and tribulations of friendship for younger readers than this one...
The warm written dialogue is simple and repetitive, situated in a series of vibrant and engaging illustrations. There is no clutter in this book, in either the words or the pictures, leaving plenty of room for some lengthy discussions between reader and adult on how we treat our friends and what really matters.
Sarah Stokes
