The new girl... and me

       Author:Jacqui Robbins
       Illustrator: Matt Phelan
       Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's
       Publication date: 2006
       Reading Level: 4-7 Year Olds
       Pages: 32






This interesting story is about an interracial friendship between a little African American girl Shakeeta and her shy classmate Mia.  Their bumpy path to friendship starts with a conversation on a pet iguana.  As such, their friendship was gradually development.  The tale has a happy ending with the establishment of an intimate friendship due mainly to their efforts, courage and hospitality in the process of their interaction.  The artwork is attractive with the two protagonists brightly and emotionally displayed on various school backgrounds.  The perfect combination of Phelan's soft cartoon-style watercolors and Robbin's pitch-perfect text, has successfully drawn young readers' attention to this pure interracial friendship.

Dog and Bear : Two Friends, Three Stories

  

         
           Author: Laura Vaccaro Seeger
           Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
           Publication Date: 2007
           Reading Level: 3-7 Year Olds
           Pages: 32

Seeger brings us an attractive picture book containing three charming and sweet stories about friendship between a boisterous dachshund and a pleasant stuffed bear. Each story describes how Dog and Bear overcome their differences through love and care. The book ends by leaving the reader knowing that these two friends have a genuine and warm relationship despite their differences. The artwork is attention-grabbing with the characters brightly displayed against a white background. The work is expressed in quick, clear lines and cheerful colors. Seeger perfects these enchanting stories with minimal text and presents winning illustrations for young children that adults will also enjoy.

Award Winners

• ALA Notable Children's Books - Younger Readers Category: 2008
• Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards: Picture Book
• Oprah's Kids' Reading Lists - New Releases: 3-to-5 Years