Amigos: Friends Forever

by Walko

The world can present many obstacles—for people with a handicap, simply getting from place to place can be a major challenge. A dog named Pedro wants to explore the world but his lack of sight makes it too dangerous for him to dodge the whizzing cars on a busy street. He meets Rosalie the cat, who is also on a journey but her damaged leg prevents her from crossing the street quickly and unharmed. The pair realizes that they can use each other’s strengths to work together and accomplish the task.
A charming story about friendship and special needs, incorporating Spanish words with humor and wit, Amigos shows that anything is possible with a caring friend by your side. Even with handicaps, Pedro and Rosalie are able to overcome the hardest challenges by sticking together. This book will teach children the value of friendship, acceptance, and perseverance.

Genres: Animals, Picture Books, Friendship

28 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2012

About the author

Bilder von Walko is author and illustrator for many children's books in Germany. After his apprenticeship as a printing plate manufacturer, Walko worked as a freelance graphic designer, illustrator, and portrait painter as well as a background artist and production designer for animated films. With so much creativity it is no wonder that he conjures up his books with such loving and funny stories. He lives in Germany.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this story about a dog and a cat who help each other. The ending is good because they chose to travel as friends not because either needs the other.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pedro wants to explore the world, but his blindness makes it hard to cross the first road he comes to. Rosie's lame leg means she might be waiting a long time for a large enough break in traffic. Can the two of them work together?

I like that the characters are a dog and cat - if they can work together then anyone can. The author also tosses in some Spanish words so kids can get a little vocabulary.

[Sydnie Lambeth]

This book was so fun to read. I love the fact that the author wanted to integrate two disabilities together and make a story that shows how special that friendship could be. Pedro the dog can not see, while Rosalie the cat has a lame leg. Together, they travel the world using Pedro as their legs and Rosalie as their eyes. The two of them together conquered their disabilities and created a life-long friendship.

[Jenn Swanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pedro cannot see. He is blind. Rosalie cannot walk very fast. She has a bum leg. Together these two are an unstoppable team. I enjoyed the message of teamwork and friendship in this book. My daughter enjoyed the pictures. Would recommend.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cute!

I am so glad that I found this sweet and short story for my 16month old. She loved it - and since my grandmother is Mexican, I was able to do the accents for her. We live in India, the sounds of the Spanglish mixed in kept her attention, twice in a row!

[Lorraine Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

can be used for:
- show how disabilities dont make a person usless
- friends can help each other out
- esol (spanish) some spanish words
- coversaton

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story about how friends make life easier.