From Publishers Weekly
Carefully constructed, this exploration of the dynamics of friendship will likely be most useful when read with an adult. Scott (Twins!) interlaces brief descriptive passages ("Friends trust each other and accept each other just the way they are") and questions ("How have you and your friends solved disagreements?") with staged scenariosAchildren helping each other on their inline skates, squabbling over a board game and choosing which movie to see, as well as resolving stickier situations such as one friend wanting to copy another's homework. Scott outlines the situations in straightforward, lucid text and Miller (Where Does It Go?) stages them in clear, colorful photographs featuring a multicultural cast. But the overall note of artificiality may undermine its appeal to children; there's no spontaneity here. The backyard, bedroom and poolside settings, though varied, look sterile (and tidy) enough to seem like so much window dressing, and the subjects evoke the self-conscious cheerfulness of catalogue models. Still, this is a solid choice for a discussion-starter on some of the more challenging aspects of making and keeping friends. Ages 5-8. (May)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-This well-executed concept book by the author of Twins! (Atheneum, l998) explores the joys and dilemmas of friendship and encourages children to think about what they do in similar situations. Economical text sets the scenes and full-color photographs show various groups of racially diverse children interacting socially. The scenarios work through issues such as including a new person in a group, resolving disagreements, deciding whether or not to invite an unpleasant neighbor to a party, and being asked to cheat by a friend. The text explores options and readers are invited to respond to large-type leading questions: "Have you helped a friend during a bad time?" or "Have you ever told a friend 'no' if they asked you to do something you shouldn't?" Younger children can respond to several issues here but more articulate and experienced readers will bring more to the table. A helpful note to adults stresses developmental issues, such as differentiating between tattling and constructive talk. All in all, a useful and thought-provoking addition.
Susan Hepler, Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
