My Best Friend [Hardcover]

Pat Hutchins (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

A little girl eagerly welcomes her best friend to spend the night. She is glad to have a friend who can run faster, climb higher, and jump farther than anyone else. But when the lights are turned out and the visitor is afraid, the little girl proves what best friends are for. "once again Hutchins captures the simple elements of a child's life in a heartwarming story, steeped in truth....A must."--Booklist.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The latest picture book from the creator of Silly Billy! and Tidy Titch offers a look at how the strengths and weaknesses of best friends tend to play off each other. Two ebullient African American girls demonstrate that someone who can run fast, climb high, untie her shoes and read books is certainly special. But being able to comfort a chum when she is frightened is equally important. Laudably, the girl who doesn't run fast or read never feels inadequate, nor does her best friend act superior. With their numerous homey touches, Hutchins's gouache paintings enliven the very slight text, making this a supportive slice of life. Ages 3-up.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-- What qualities make for a best friend? To the narrator of this book, they include knowing how to run, climb, and jump better than anybody else. The ability to eat spaghetti without dropping any on the table also helps. The two little girls appear to be about the same age, but their skill levels are quite different. One knows how to paint neatly, untie her shoelaces, and button her pajamas; the other does not. When the night wind blows the curtains, however, it is the less accomplished child who has the common sense and bravery to deal with the situation. The story is heartfelt and reassuring, and the friends gaze at one another with true affection and admiration. Hutchins's artistic skill is reflected in the juxtaposition of background scenes reflecting tidiness and chaos, but her depictions of the black children with their huge claylike heads and buck teeth are exaggerated and lifeless. --Anna DeWind, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books; 1st edition (April 15, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688114857
• ISBN-13: 978-0688114855
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #893,913 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What friends are for, September 27, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: My Best Friend (Hardcover)

This is the first book my little daughter (3 years old) has borrowed from the school library. Only when I started reading it to her that I knew why she chose this particular one. Not only that the little visitor in this book looks very much like her, but that the story indeed echoes her much dear wish of having a very good friend of her own. I as an adult also enjoy this book very much. The two children are lovely. The story also reminds me of the fact that a best friend does not only set standard for you to keep up with, he or she will stand by you whenver you feel upset, frightened and frustrated.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Artwork, Good Read Aloud, Good Message, September 23, 2009

By 

Pam Tee "Busy Mom" - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: My Best Friend (Hardcover)

This is a sweet little book by Pat Hutchins of "Rosie's Walk" fame. Like always, her artwork in this one is kid-friendly; although unlike some of the drawings in her older works, this book is done in a full range of color.

The story is an absolute delight. It's about two friends, one of whom is going to stay the night with the other. After the little girl arrives, her friend is quick to point all the things that she can do better than he can. She can untie her shoes, and eat spaghetti neatly; and she can run faster and climb higher. But rather than be jealous, he exalts her virtues, which is a wonderful lesson more children(and adults) need to hear.

Pat provides a very satisfactory ending for the book when the little boy does what he does best, and his friend turns to him and says that she's glad he's her best friend.

Talking Points :::
o The artwork " My Best Friend" is bright and cheerful.

o The text is at the second grade level --AR 2.0 -- is larger than you normally find at this level.

o The age range for interest in this book probably runs from Toddler to 1st Grade, in my opinion. So this book is a great candidate for children who are reading above grade level who still like large print.

o The sentiment in the book is wonderful. The children aren't envious of what the other can do, only thankful. This makes this book a great one to read to siblings or groups of young children.

o Good Read Aloud

Pam T~
mom and reviewer at BookForKids-reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet message, September 6, 2010

By 

J. S. Brown (Belllingham, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: My Best Friend (Hardcover)

My girls, 6 and 2, both enjoyed the message of this book. It's a very fast read, more suitable to the two-year old.