Making a Friend is a clever pun. As Beaver is good at making a lot of things (slides, stripy socks, a lodge) but he is not good at making friends. Oh, he tries, but it never works out as he hopes. Though I would say the others are not really appreciating the attempts. A skunk should appreciate flowers (who does not like flowers?) and the why is the porcupine sad over the popped balloons? But yes, waking owl during the day is a bit more than a little inconsiderate. But when Beaver meets Raccoon (and with a little help from some raisins, sticks and snow) he can make one special friend. Just not the one expected by either of them.
Tammi Sauer knows how to have fun with words and a story. Which is pleasantly accompanied by the illustrations of Alison Friend (I do hope that is their real name).
The other book that is about friends (only Amy is unaware) is Amy is Famous. Amy is a star. Famous. She wears red. Signs autographs and is popular. That is until the new girl, Cecile, shows up. She looks like Hermione Granger (she has a scarf and outfit that looks just like hers). And she wears Hello Kitty ears. And red. And she is getting a lot of attention and hugs. What is Amy going to do? After all there is only room for one Star in their small classroom. Or is there?
Barbara Bottner’s story and YuYi Chen’s illustrations are fun, bright and busy, like Amy and friends. The story of making friends when you do not think you will ever like them is an old one. (Enemy Pie anyone?) But this is a fresh look at this old tale. While maybe not 100% realistic, it is 100% fun.
Both these books are a must for children who like stories about friendship.
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