That's What a Friend Is

by P.K. Hallinan

An amusing text and colorful drawings show all sides of a close friendship, in good times and bad.

Genres: Childrens, Friendship, Picture Books

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

P.K. Hallinan is the author and illustrator of more than 80 children's books, with over 7,500,000 copies sold worldwide. P.K. first began writing and illustrating 35 years ago when his wife asked him to create a picture book as a Christmas gift for their two young sons.

Reviews

[raccoon reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband (circa 1978) remembers reading this as a child. That's right. Taking it back old school. Our son (nearly 4) is stuck with "older" parents. So we have to break out the classics. Found this one at the library and new it'd be retro gold. We all enjoyed the old school illustrations and the message is still a good one today :)

[Little Champs]

3049

[Latosha Finch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author P.K. Hallinan depicts two children who are very good friends. These two do everything together. The book depicts how friends should treat one another. (Ex. “A friend is a buddy who’ll come to your aid when he thinks you need help or you might be afraid.” The language in this book is child friendly and teaches children about healthy friendships. The illustrations compliment the text very well. The illustrations are also inviting to children. They are colorful and show emotions clearly. As a teacher there are vocabulary terms that have more than one definition (“aid, tonsils”), I would use this book to teach new vocabulary. The book mentions “bullies”. This concept could also be discussed being that bullying is so prevalent in schools. Students can discuss the things they do with their friends. P. K. Hallinan shows his genuine love for children’s books in that he learned to illustrate his own books.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations were simple but fun and the poem was engaging. I had five kids riveted during the whole thing. Even while a one-year-old was throwing a major fit. I'd say that makes this a pretty good book. Plus, it made me curious about caterpillar races.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this book is so much fun