my best friend, written by julie fogliano and illustrated by jillian tamaki, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Simon & Schuster. 2020. $21.99 ages 3 and up

"sometimes when we are
feeling quiet we sit under
a big tree

she can turn the leaves
into skeleton hands

she picks away all the green
until

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"

Julie Fogliano is absolutely tapped into telling a story that will be fully understood by young children. They will find her new book engaging and full of great delight. Our lively narrator describes her best friend from the first page forward in glowing terms. In doing so, she explains all that makes the two a perfect pair. Like Anne and Diana, they are 'kindred spirits'.

They are compatible in every way. As they spend this time together, readers are fully aware of the joy they find in one another's company. She praises her best friend for being smart, musical, funny, quiet when needed, artistic, helpful, and worthy of being called something so special.

"she is my best friend
i think

i've never had a best friend
so i'm not sure"

Their actions are endearing and familiar, heartfelt and full of fun. Knowing they don't always like the same things makes no difference to their relationship at all. As a parent takes each by the hand for the return home, the two look forward to seeing each other again. Only then does the audience learn they have just met. She doesn't even know her 'best friend's' name! She will - tomorrow.

Add to this glorious text the rust, peach and olive digital art of Jillian Tamaki, and I have a book that goes direct to our 'keepers' shelf. The energy and gorgeous closeup images that fill each page reveal the strength in feeling little ones exhibit at every turn. What a celebration!

Sure to inspire listeners to talk about their own 'best' friends, and the things they do together. Parents and caregivers who read it to their children are likely to do the very same thing.

 In a recent interview, Julie had this to say:                                                                 

 "Young kids connect with their hearts and imaginations first... the vroom vroom of a truck in a sand box, the exhilaration of rolling down a hill, the simple comfort of holding hands ... the language of childhood is love and joy ... "

Jillian shared her thoughts as well:

"Play is so intense and vivid at that age, and your best friend is your whole world. I wanted to conjure into images that sense of insularity and whimsy that Julie describes and I remember so well."