"The next day at school, Tomasso couldn't
find anyone to play with at recess.
find anyone to play with at recess.
But that was okay.
He found an old foam ball in the corner
of the yard, picked it up, drew two eyes
on it with a marker, and named it Roland.
of the yard, picked it up, drew two eyes
on it with a marker, and named it Roland.
Then he found a smaller pink ball, drew
two eyes and a smile on that one too, and
named it Barry. He played with Roland
and Barry until the bell rang."
two eyes and a smile on that one too, and
named it Barry. He played with Roland
and Barry until the bell rang."
Kids return to school tomorrow after a long holiday break. Perhaps there will be a new student in your classroom - someone like Tomasso. It's his first day as the new kid in a new school. Some of his classmates offer a welcome; others say nothing. After work, his father asks about new friends. Tomasso tells the truth. He hasn't met anyone special, but he is sure he will.
Recess the next day offers no new chance for friendship. That leads Tomasso to find some imaginary ones. They are good companions. His dad remains interested in knowing about any new friends. The answer is the same. In the cafeteria, Tomasso turns a carton of milk into a friend he names Coco. The next time his dad asks, Tomasso makes up stories about Roland, Barry and Coco. His dad is happy.
Adding to the list to tell his father about, Tomasso introduces Pablo and Jennie, then Henny and Karen. Each is an found object; a rock, a sock, an apple, and an eraser. They keep the boy company and his father satisfied that his son is adjusting. Finally, when his father suggests that Tomasso invite his friends to dinner, he says he will. His father's arrival with pizza is met by Tomasso and his table full of his described friends.
"Tomasso's cheeks turned red and his throat got tight and for some reason, he wanted to say, "I'm sorry," but he didn't know why.
So he sat there and time seemed to stand still."
His dad's reaction is perfection.
Encompassing loneliness and compassion, while encouraging empathy for a new student, Joshua David Stein has written a story that is quite charming for young listeners. Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations by Mariachiara Di Giorgio focus attention on the relationship between a vulnerable child and his understanding dad. The ending is emotional and full of joy for both.
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