Best Friends [Hardcover]

Steven Kellogg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 14, 1986 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Kathy feels lonely and betrayed when her best friend goes away for the summer and has a wonderful time.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Kathy and Louise, best friends, do everything together in school and at home. They even invent a pet horse, Golden Silverwind, who lives in a pretend stable between their houses. They imagine that the neighborhood becomes a fantasyland and spend wonderful hours playing. When Louise is whisked off for her family's summer vacation, Kathy is miserable when she learns that her friend can have fun without her. Worse still, Louise returns home and claims a neighborhood dog's only puppy, leaving Kathy feeling slighted yet again. Finally, when Kathy shares her hurt feelings, Louise understands and helps her resolve them. The story's concerns are truly childlike, and Kathy's emotions are realistically depicted. The illustrations, filled with warmth and humor, flow along with the story to the final satisfying frame.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3 Kellogg's "fantastical" nature is more than evident in his latest title. Best friends Kathy and Louise share everything together. When Louise goes away for the summer, Kathy sees the neighborhoodliterally and figurativelyas a barren desert. Finally a postcard arrivesLouise (the traitor) is having a wonderful time! Kathy is hurt and angry but is somewhat appeased by the appearance of a new neighbor, 72-year-old Mr. Jode, who has a dog who is about to have puppies. Kathy is to have the first spotted pup; Louise's mom also arranges for Louise to have one. Louise returns, bearing gifts and assurances that she did indeed miss Kathy. The first puppy is brown, and given to Louise. There is no second puppy. Kathy is crushed, until Louise suggests raising the puppy together. All ends in starry daydreams about the future. The watercolor and ink illustrations are appealingly bright and magical. Kathy and Louise's daydreams are vividly and flamboyantly portrayed, with "reality" just as attractively pictured. If this title is flawed, it is only because Kellogg attempts too much in his plot. There is too much going on for too long, but the charm of the illustrations is enough to minimize this factor. Janice M. Del Negro, Hild Regional Public Library, Chicago
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dial (April 14, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803700997
• ISBN-13: 978-0803700994
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #740,118 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

With the same energy, humor and clarity found in his 50 books, David wows audiences at schools around the United States and beyond. David is an accomplished storyteller and a master at getting kids to think and have fun at the same time. His presentations lead children on entertaining and educational journeys that combine math, science, reading and writing. David also gives keynote presentations and workshops for educators at professional conferences.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book of Childhood, January 17, 2004

By 

Janet Carter "pinkpolishedlibrarian" (Connecticut, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Best Friends (Hardcover)

Whenever I think back to my childhood, and the books of that time, the two main authors I find appearing time and time again are Shel Silverstein and Steven Kellogg. This book was one of my favorites. When reading through, espically with children, one is transported along with characters through their dreams and imaginations. Kellogg's illustrations only add more pleasure to this already wonderfully written story. Even from a young age children become attracted to the storyline with it's honest characters and real emotions. (Plus the fact that everybody lives happily ever after doesn't hurt too much either.)

A wonderful Children's Book, and one of my favorites.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Friends, February 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Best Friends (Hardcover)

I felt this was an example of a child's friendship. This shows how a small girl feels when her best friend leaves. Many of my childhood friendships were the same way. Any child would love this book to be read to them over and over again.

4.0 out of 5 stars Favorite book, December 27, 2011

By 

Runner8207 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Best Friends (Hardcover)

My sister loved this book! It was one of our childhood favorites and it is in really good condition because it is a hard back old library book. She is very excited to have it. There are not tears on the pages and the plastic cover will help protect it!