Lottie's New Friend [Hardcover]

Petra Mathers (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1999

As Herbie strolls over to his best friend Lottie's house, he's looking forward to some nice, warm cookies and a pleasant chat. But it appears Lottie has found someone else to share her cookies with--a certain "Dodo" from Germany, who once had a part in the movies. Poor Herbie feels left out, until Lottie leaves town, the exotic Dodo is caught in a precarious position, and Herbie is the only one who can help her. Gallantly, Herbie rescues Dodo off a rooftop, and Dodo kindly reciprocates with some reassuring words: "Now I know why Lottie says . . . zat you are ze apple of her eye".

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This tender, funny sequel to Lottie's New Beach Towel has all the charm and quirkiness of the original tale about this winsome chickenAand, because it has a more linear plot, it may prove even more accessible and appealing to children. This time Lottie's best friend, Herbie the duck, takes center stage. Arriving at Lottie's for his customary morning visit, Herbie is discomfited by the unexpected presence of Dodo, a new neighbor. Believing that Lottie prefers Dodo, Herbie entertains mildly vengeful fantasies (wishing Dodo would get seasick when they all take a boat ride; imagining that no one would care if he were dead) and starts acting out (blowing bubbles in his lemonade; donning a flimsy disguise in hopes that Dodo won't recognize him). However, while Lottie is out of town, it is up to Herbie to help Dodo out of a tight spot, and the emotional logjam is broken. Aided by a few well-chosen words from Dodo, Herbie realizes that his place in Lottie's heart is secure and that there is room enough for Dodo, too. Mathers offers a wise look at the often contrary and confusing dynamics of close friendships. Humor abounds in both the droll text and the tidily boxed artAparticularly irresistible are images of the self-pitying Herbie in his ridiculously transparent false-nose-and-mustache getup and, in a fit of pique over Dodo's stylish new glasses, dramatically marching with eyes closed and arms outstretched, as if blind. Mathers's insights into friendship are lightly though surely delivered. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K-Lottie the chicken and Herbie the duck, introduced in Lottie's New Beach Towel (Atheneum, 1998), have their friendship put to the test when Dodo, a bird who hails from Germany, comes to town and Herbie begins to feel left out by the camaraderie that Lottie and Dodo seem to enjoy. The glamorous, worldly, and resourceful bird provokes some petulant and uncharitable emotions in an insecure Herbie until he has the opportunity to come to her aid. Dodo sings his praises and repeats some kind words that Lottie has also spoken about her friend. This tender scene paves the way for a successful relationship among the three birds of a feather. This predictable, comforting story has a message of hope for children learning to deal with the sometimes thorny issues of friendship. While the plot lacks some of the whimsy and humor found in the previous story, this reassuring tale offers its own simple pleasures. Boxed, uncomplicated watercolor illustrations are loaded with child appeal. The basic shapes, lively coloration, and winsome details of the visual narrative successfully expand on the text. This title should convince the picture-book crowd that three can be company.
Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum/Anne Schwartz Books (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689820143
• ISBN-13: 978-0689820144
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #964,155 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, warm, loving look at friendship!, October 27, 1999

By 

Elise Primavera (Red Bank , NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lottie's New Friend (Hardcover)

I love this world, of Lottie, Herbie, and now Dodo that Petra Mathers has created.You'll laugh but most of all you'll recognize yourself--because who hasn't ever felt like a fifth wheel at one time or another? The art is fresh, and filled with wonderful details of this seaside town--which is so cozy that it makes me want to buy a house there right next to Lottie! And look out for perhaps the funniest line you've EVER seen on a flap!( I won't ruin it by telling you). I am crazy about this book AND the series and I know kids and the adults that read it to kids will be too!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars buy it, June 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Lottie's New Friend (Hardcover)

I recently discovered this series (3 books by Petra Mathers -- this is the 2nd) and I'm already anxiously looking forward to book 4. Great illustrations, sweet story. My 2 and 4 year-olds adore the characters.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of fun, May 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Lottie's New Friend (Hardcover)

Lottie and Herbie return, with Mathers' trademark gorgeous paintings that are quirky, quaint, and very funny. These Lottie books tend to be winners.