Making Friends [Library Binding]

Margaret Mahy (Author), Wendy Smith (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1990

Small Mrs. de Vere's large dog Titania and large Mr. Derry's small dog Oberon serve as the intruments that bring their masters together in an unexpected but quite successful friendship.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

As rendered in Smith's sparkling watercolors, Mrs. de Vere is a small woman who lives in a large house. Every day she crosses the park to the beach, where she confides to the waves that she wants company. Mr. Derry is a big man who lives in a little cottage. On his daily walks, he, too, crosses the park, traveling in the opposite direction; he tells the stone mermaid in the fountain in town that he would like someone to walk along the beach with. When both people go to the dog pound for a companion, Mrs. de Vere chooses a big, shaggy dog, while Mr. Derry selects a tiny dog that "looked like a feather duster." The next day, the two dogs recognize each other as they are being walked in the park. In the ensuing excitement and commotion, Mr. Derry and Mrs. de Vere get tangled in the leashes: the clever pets have united their lonely owners. Adults and children alike will delight in this warm, comforting story, as they root for the inevitable pairing of a thoroughly engaging hero and heroine. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Making Friends is a book well worth meeting. What could have been a trite plot, the "accidental meeting" of two lonely people arranged by their clever dogs, is changed by Mahy's dancing prose and Smith's equally lively ink and watercolor drawings into a celebration of friendship. Mrs. de Vere is lonely in her big home by the opera house; Mr. Derry is lonely in his very small cottage by the sea. For company, they both acquire dogs from the local pound, Titania and Oberon who, as their names suggest, befriend befuddled mortals and arrange their affairs for them. When the dogs see each other while on a walk, they entangle their owners in their leashes and lives. Smith's illustrations are reminiscent of Ardizzone's, capturing aspects of the friendship as the characters walk through a bustling city, down a lonely beach, and ultimately tango across the dance floor together. One hopes Mahy and Smith will introduce readers to others of their acquaintance. --Kathleen Whalin, formerly at Public Library of Columbus and Franklin County, OH
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 26 pages
• Publisher: Margaret Mcelderry (March 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689504985
• ISBN-13: 978-0689504983
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,983,099 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Margaret Mahy lives in New Zealand and is internationally acknowledged as one of the most outstanding children's writers today. She is the author of more than two hundred books for children of all ages, two of which have received England's Carnegie Medal and others of which have garnered numerous citations from the American Library Association. She is also the recipient of An Order of New Zealand, the highest honor a citizen can receive. In 2006 she received the Hans Christian Andersen award for her contributions to international children's literature.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A pleasantly surprising topic for a children's book, September 11, 2000

By 

Susan (Bellingham, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Making Friends (Library Binding)

This book was heart warming. Adults and children root for these two (somewhat) elderly characters as their friendship blooms. Books such as these can help children develp a healthy attitude towards love and romance. Quaint illustrations.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Making Friends, September 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Making Friends (Library Binding)

Making friends is a fun and glorious childrens book that you will enjoy reading, regardless of age - and I recommend this enchanting book to anyone wanting a good laugh.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is great, February 18, 2002

By 

Sarah (New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Making Friends (Library Binding)

This is a truely fantastic book, my family just love it.
It is a special favourite at bedtimes. It is well written and interesting - not just one of those books that just drone on and on, I enjoy re-reading it just as if it was the first time.