The New Friend (Toot & Puddle) [Hardcover]

Holly Hobbie (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

Opal's new friend Daphne seems to be the best at everything she does, but Toot and Puddle see another side of her.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–Hobbie's endearing pigs return in another tale about friendship. Opal returns to Woodcock Pocket to visit Toot and Puddle and brings along a much-admired companion. The self-deprecating Opal claims that Daphne is good at everything–much better than she could ever be. Wise Puddle assures her that "everyone is different and everyone is good at different things." Daphne is quite pleasant while proving that she can hold her breath longer, turn a cartwheel more flawlessly, and play the violin better than the others. She enjoys competition as long as she comes out on top, but when she doesn't, her little snout gets out of joint. She's petulant when Opal wins at cards, refuses to try new foods, and won't help out with the raking. However, when Daphne can't deal with a spider in the bathroom, it's little Opal who comes to the rescue. Daphne finally swallows her pride and openly admires Opal's bravery. Hobbie's signature watercolors are delightfully warm and appealing; October leaves on a sunny day almost warrant sunglasses, the glows from fireplace and lamps exude coziness, and the foursome's breath-holding contest is priceless. A gentle, entertaining lesson showing that everyone is special.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI
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About the Author

Holly Hobbie has worked as an artist for more than thirty years and is the author of five previous and highly acclaimed Toot & Puddle picture books, as well as an illustrated memoir, The Art of Holly Hobbie. The mother of grown children, she lives with her husband in Conway, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316366366
• ISBN-13: 978-0316366366
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 0.8 x 10.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #211,629 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Holly Hobbie has worked as an artist for more than thirty years and is the author of seven previous and highly acclaimed Toot & Puddle picture books, as well as an illustrated memoir, The Art of Holly Hobbie. The mother of grown children, she lives with her husband in Conway, Massachusetts

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely New Children's Book Starring Toot and Puddle, November 23, 2004

By 

Erika Sorocco (Southern California, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The New Friend (Toot & Puddle) (Hardcover)

Opal has decided to visit her friends Toot and Puddle at their home in Woodcock Pocket. However, instead of arriving by herself, Opal has brought along her new friend Daphne. Daphne is a very special pig who can do everything the best, including standing on her head, dancing, holding her breath, playing the violin, and more. This begins to make Opal a bit jealous, for she wants to be the best at something. However, when Opal begins outshining Daphne at various activities, the tables turn.

Once again, Holly Hobbie has created an endearing new tale featuring the little piggies of Woodcock Pocket and their lovely friends. Filled with gorgeous illustrations, along with lovely prose, and a message that will teach children that you can't always be the best at everything, as well as not to be jealous of someone when they can do something that you cannot, this is sure to be a hit with all. Including parents!

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

5.0 out of 5 stars Toot & Puddle: The New Friend, May 14, 2007

By 

E. White "globetrotter" (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The New Friend (Toot & Puddle) (Hardcover)

My 7-year-old granddaughter loves the book, and I found it endearing.

5.0 out of 5 stars We love Toot and Puddle!, March 14, 2007

By 

Lorna Doone "Sleepy2002" (Maine, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The New Friend (Toot & Puddle) (Hardcover)

I love the illustrations in all the Toot and Puddle books, the are lovely and calming, and so does my 4 year old son. We have several from the series and they all get read at bedtime regularly. The stories are sweet and have messages about friendship and perserverence. I would recommend them to anyone with a child over 3.