... is hello to sitting together.
Goodbye to outside ...
... is hello to inside.
Goodbye to snowmen ...
... is hello to puddles!"
If you are a big fan of Ms. Doerrfeld's previous book, The Rabbit Listened, you are sure to enjoy and want to share this new book about friendship with those you love. It is story that recognizes the feelings children have for each other, and it makes certain that readers and listeners understand the importance of such emotions.
Some of the story is told in introductory pages which show a little girl who loves her dog, and accepts with sloppy licks as she tries to put her boots on before heading to school. Both are thrilled to be in each other's company. She feeds her fish on the way out the door, past Mom who is holding the pup's leash. The opening spread shows a now worried little one saying goodbye, as the school bus pulls up to the curb.
That sad goodbye leads to a warm and welcome greeting upon arrival in her classroom. Charlie quickly introduces herself, and offers friendship from that first meeting. Stella and Charlie sit together in the cafeteria, on the bus, and play together when at home. As autumn turns to winter, they move from playing outside to being inside where they find much to keep themselves entertained. And so it goes ... seasons pass, and the two are great companions in water play, summer hikes, butterfly chasing. When her fish dies, Charlie is there for comfort and memories. The two are friends forever. Or are they?
"But sometimes, when you least expect it, a goodbye
comes along that really feels like the end. Sometimes,
goodbye is the last thing you want to say."
Young readers will find much to see in the detailed artwork, 'made with digital ink, Dr. Pepper and a good dose of nostalgia'. Every page turn offers up something new to notice, and evidence of the years as they pass. As hard as it is to say goodbye to someone you love, it is often a fact of life.
It is true, however, that when one door closes another opens.
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