Friendship

(March 2021, Peachtree Publishing)

In this timely story about loneliness, connection, and friendship, Roland, a rabbit, finds a new friend on his walk in the woods one day. It’s okay that Milton is just a pine cone because they have so much in common. But when clues start popping up in the woods suggesting that someone else is missing their best pine cone friend, Roland must decide if it’s worth it to keep Milton for himself.

Children can make their own pine cone best friend with a pine cone, googly eyes, and pipe cleaner.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Peachtree Publishing in exchange for a review.

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Publication Date: April 12, 2016

The incomparable Kate DiCamillo has written a deeply personal story of love, loss, and friendship in Raymie Nightingale. Raymie Clarke comes to the realization that everything depends on her. Her father has left the family, but she has a plan. She is going to win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition and when her picture is in the paper, her father will realize what he is missing and come home.

I fell in the love with the character of Raymie. She is sweet, determined, and just a little bit broken (reminding me a little of me when I was her age). Her unlikely friendship with Lousiana Elefante and Beverly Tapinski develops over time, and through unusual and semi-traumatic situations. In the end, the Three Rancheros come to each other’s rescue in the most unexpected ways.

Here is a video of Kate explaining how Raymie came to be: