Real to Me, written by Minh Le and illustrated by Raissa Figureroa. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2023. $25.99 ages 4 and up

"We laughed together, 
were brave together, 
got in trouble together, 

and sometimes we were even quiet together.

My friend was always there for me, 
and I can't imagine anything more real than that."

When our daughter Erin was young, she had an imaginary friend. Today, neither one of us can remember her name. She was a regular visitor and we were constantly tasked with not stepping or sitting on her, not leaving the kitchen door open, and introducing her to any visitors so they might see what a special friend she was. 

There have been a number of books about such friends. Those who know Minh Le's other works will not be surprised that he likes to write the unexpected. So, be prepared. The relationship between the little girl and the green monster who is her friend seems as real as can be. They spend countless hours together, sharing one adventure after another. There are those who said she was not real. 

Then one day, the friend disappears without a goodbye. The green monster is left to its own devices, wondering where she might have gone. 

"I missed her laugh, 
I missed her when I was scared, 
I missed getting into trouble together, 

and now that she was gone, 

it was a little too quiet." 

  

Was she real? It takes some time to realize that whether she was real to others, she certainly was 'real to me'. Mr. Le shows readers the experiences with a friend, without her, and finally with new friends. Those changes will ring true for children who are dealing with such events in their own lives. 

Raissa Figueroa’s digital illustrations are stunning. They are filled with light and love, and add so much to the world the monster inhabits, with its friend and without. That first friend is never forgotten, but life moves forward.