"Billy looks at the cello. And Rose.
Rose looks at the washtub, the soapsuds,
and Billy.
Then everyone gets to it. And for the rest
of the morning, Rose does the wash to the
glorious sound of Billy's cello."
Billy and Rose are fine friends. As with most relationships, they do not always agree. Working through their problems is at the heart of each of the four stories presented here. All look at the daily activities both characters experience. True friendship comes shining through as they deal with what causes conflict for them.
In the first, Rose knows she needs to do the wash if she is going to have the clothes she wants to wear. She is not keen to get started. Stepping out the door, she sees that Billy has just finished hanging his wash. On the other hand, he is clearly putting off practicing the cello which is a task he cannot face at the moment.
Each successive chapter deals with the things that friends like to do together. At least, most of the time. Those things don't always go as expected. With thought and concern for a friend, there are ways to make them better. Rose and Billy show readers that there are compromises to be made, and a chance to let time heal minor arguments. In the end, there are solutions to the problems faced, and working toward them is worth it every time.
Kady's watercolor-and-ink illustrations are as endearing and engaging as they have always been. Full of kindness and lively action, they offer characters to admire for the work they do to ensure friendship wins out. How wonderful it is to see this new work from a favorite artist.
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