As children begin to read on their own, they often gravitate towards
series that highlight friendships - child and grandparent, brother and
sister, boy and his dog, animal pals. The well-defined characters and their
warmly humorous adventures dispense a comforting familiarity that turns the
reader into the "third friend." The bonding with books and their
inhabitants thus begins for the eager new reader.
The following books are in order from "tried and true" to "fresh and
new":
Frog and Toad
By Arnold Lobel
These readers are true classics of the friendship genre. Frog and Toad
repeatedly demonstrate the meaning of supportive friendship, through
everyday
failures and fears. Look for Lobel's gentle humor, in carefully chosen
words and expressive illustrations, in ...
Frog and Toad are Friends
Harpercollins Juvenile Books; ISBN: 0060239573
Frog and Toad Together
Harpercollins Juvenile Books; ISBN: 006023959X
and many other
titles . . .
Oliver & Amanda
By Jean Van Leeuwen
Can little sister and big brother exist as friends? Yes, in the caring
world of Oliver and Amanda Pig there is mutual respect, expected sibling
rivalry and a large measure of imaginative play. The two endearing pigs,
shown in bright, cheery scenes by Ann Schweninger, alternately share and
"hog" the spotlight in such titles as ...
Amanda Pig and Her Big Brother Oliver
Puffin; ISBN: 0140370080, $3.99
Tales of Oliver Pig
Puffin; ISBN: 0140370080, $3.99
Amanda Pig and Her Best Friend Lollipop
Dial Books for Young Readers; ISBN: 0803719825, $13.99
Henry and Mudge
By Cynthia Rylant
There is nothing so poignant as the relationship between a boy and his
big, goofy dog. Henry shares the simple pleasures of life with Mudge, a dog
with no power of speech or special tricks. Mudge is simply and thus,
extraordinarily, a dog - drool and all. Join the unconditional love, drawn
by Sucie Stevenson with simple lines and boy/dog hugs, in ...
Henry and Mudge: The First Book of Their Adventures
Aladdin Paperbacks; ISBN: 0689810059, $3.99
Henry and Mudge and Annie's Perfect Pet: The Twentieth Book of Their
Adventures
Simon & Schuster (Juv); ISBN: 0689811772 , $15.00
and all
between and all to come.
Mr. Putter and Tabby
by Cynthia Rylant
With her ever sure-footed path through human nature, Ms. Rylant again
offers a sweet and funny relationship between a frumpy old man and his
twitchy tabby cat. Teamed with Arthur Howard's chalky colors and squiggly
lines, the characters emerge as the pair one would want to live next door.
Silly details and ordinary adventures can be found in ...
Mr. Putter & Tabby Take the Train
Harcourt Brace; ISBN: 0152017860, $13.00
Mr. Putter & Tabby Feed the Fish
Harcourt Brace; ISBN: 0152024085, $15.00
and a host of other
titles.
Gus and Grandpa
By Claudia Mills
Gus and his Grandpa have much to learn from each other in these paeons to
inter-generational friendships. The two share secret jokes, common
interests in receiving mail and playing the lottery, and they weather
sensitive moments together. Grandpa has a mild heart attack, and Grandpa
can't find his car in the parking lot. Gus is taught to deal with these
problems by, of course, his beloved grandpa. Catherine Stock's soft-edged
illustrations complement the simple story lines. Don't miss ...
Gus and Grandpa and Show-and-Tell
Farrar Straus & Giroux (Juv); ISBN: 0374328196, $13.00
Gus and Grandpa Ride the Train
Sunburst; ISBN: 0374428131, $4.45
and all the other good times
with this "dynamic duo."
Minnie and Moo
By Denis Caze
Two bovine best friends provide the very best in slapstick humor and yes,
shared dreams and deeds. Children, and adults, will laugh out loud at the
predicaments that the twosome encounter, but they will also enjoy their
willingness to try new things. Strange logic, hilarious word play,
rollicking watercolor and pencil illustrations - all combine to create a
silly and very popular series. Dip in with any title, but personal
favorites include ...
Minnie and Moo Go to the Moon
DK Publishing; ISBN: 0789425378, $3.95
Minnie and Moo and the Musk of Zorro
DK Publishing; ISBN: 0789426528, $12.95
Iris and Walter
By Elissa Haden Guest
New to the "buddy book" scene is this charming series about a young city
girl thrust into the country and inevitable boredom and loneliness - unti
she meets Walter. There are wonderful times ahead as each presents the joys
of city life and country life to each other. The subtle color tones, awash
over the sketchy drawings of Christine Davenier are a delight, as they
reflect the beauty of the country and the broad movements of a growing
friendship. Welcome the latest tribute to early reader "pals" by locating
...
Iris and Walter
Gulliver Books; ISBN: 0152021221, $14.00
Iris and Walter: True Friends
Harcourt Brace; ISBN: 0152021213, $14.00
ABC Books for Early Readers
Preschoolers will groove and grow with these entertaining alphabet
books.
photo by:
Belinda Hankins Miller 
10 Ways to Spice Up Your Barbecue
Summer Reading
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