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Monday, December 23, 2024

A Better Best Friend, written and illustrated by Olivier Tallec. Translated by Antony Shugaar. Gecko Press, Firefly Books. 2024. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 


"You can have a lot of friends. 
But a BEST friend is different. 

With them you have your very best times.
Even bad times are good times with a best 
friend. 

I show Pock the tree I like most, my secret 
places in the forest, things you wouldn't 
show anyone except a best friend.
"

A red squirrel is the narrator for this tale of longing for friendship ... especially best friendship! While out walking one day, the squirrel finds a best friend. Unlike those days when all he finds are pinecones, Squirrel is excited to have a new best friend. The mushroom up for consideration has little to say as they sit together on a fallen log. It takes a while; communication is not a strong point. 

Sporting a best friend's face and identifying itself as Pock, Squirrel is sure the two will be best friends. There are many attributes for what constitutes a best friend; Squirrel is comfortable sharing them all. Through the seasons, the two spend a lot of time together. Spring brings the addition of Moo. Moo is a dragonfly willing to introduce the two to new places and activities while exploring their forest home together. 

Squirrel becomes conflicted about who the real best friend is. 

"With Pock, I love watching leaves fall, snow drifting
down and pink clouds sailing across the sky.

But then I also love eating blackberries and going to the 
river with Moo. He's much better than Pock at skipping stones.
"

How will Squirrel make the right choice? It is a real dilemma when Squirrel decides he wants only ONE best friend, not two. Then, along comes Gunther! 

What is a best friend? Can there be more than one? Do you have to give up one best friend when someone else who fits the bill enters the picture? This book offers a chance for listeners to consider their own thoughts on best friendship. 

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