A Friend [Hardcover]

Anette Bley (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

There are many kinds of friends and friendships, and all are explored in this lovely, quiet volume. Anette Bley's spirited illustrations and lighthearted yet meaningful text combine to make this an extraordinarily special picture book to be shared both with those just beginning the process of gathering and making friends, and those who have a lifetime of shared laughter and experiences behind them.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In this stirring picture book, dozens of lively, detailed scenarios show that friendship means bonding and loyalty—and also independence and freedom. First published in Germany, this title speaks to universal feelings and relationships, across generation, gender, race, class, disability, and place. In one scene, a boy has the courage to tell a girl the truth about herself, instead of laughing at her, as everyone else does. On another spread, an elderly woman holds a boy when he needs comfort, and she lets him go when he asks her to. Each immediate situation could be a story of its own, and kids can fill in their own experiences as they view each situation. A powerful offering that explores the difference between solitude and loneliness, and the human need for both connection and space, trust and independence. Preschool-Grade 1. --Hazel Rochman

About the Author

Anette Bley studied painting, drawing and graphic design in the USA and Germany, earning her degree as a master student of Robin Page in Munich in 1996.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 36 pages
• Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub; First American edition (March 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935279009
• ISBN-13: 978-1935279006
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #596,912 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply expressed, beautifully illustrated book about friendship, June 27, 2009

By 

Z Hayes (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: A Friend (Hardcover)

What is a friend? This is the question so charmingly explored in this delightful children's picture book. Gorgeously illustrated in full-color by author/illustrator Anette Bley, "A Friend" has simple text that is nevertheless meaningful, conveying in a few words what true friendship really is. The illustrations are not just beautiful, but evocative and humorous.

This picture-book is great for reading aloud and suitable for preschoolers and up.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A charming children's picturebook about friendship, May 18, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Friend (Hardcover)

A Friend is a charming children's picturebook about friendship. The thoughtful text and adventurous color illustrations list various qualities and wonderful things that true friends share. "I'm glad I have a friend to play with... / ...on rainy days. / Someone to get in trouble with... / ...when I feel like playing tricks. / Someone to dance and laugh with... / ...when I am happy." A lovely and heartwarming picturebook, highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple but detailed both in illustration and dimensions of friendship, February 26, 2011

By 

Caroline E. Day - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Friend (Hardcover)

For our kindergarten son, this is a frequently requested book. He laughs but appreciates the clear definition of friendship in the dimensions of actions a true friend can take. The book focuses both on someone needing a friend and how to be a friend. Just when kindergarten and the challenge of getting along and "being or not the best friend (of the day)," this book has offered some comfort for our son ... especially with the sprinkling of humor. And of course, it is a joy to read. Our 4 year old daughter loves it too.