Raymond and Nelda

by Barbara Bottner

Raymond and Nelda are the best of friends, but when their friendship gets off track, they must find a way to make up.
Raymond and Nelda make up funny songs and share chocolate-covered strawberries. They like to play ball and they always laugh at each other’s jokes. But one day, Nelda twirls for Raymond and falls down. Raymond laughs at her. “Some friend!” says Nelda. Now the two aren’t speaking. But life isn’t nearly as much fun without a best friend. It’s up to Florence the mail lady to deliver some important letters that might just help Nelda and Raymond make up and be best friends once again.
Barbara Bottner’s quirky story of a friendship negotiates the highs and lows of relationships. Nancy Hayashi’s illustrations colorfully capture the appeal of the characters and the charm of the story.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

Barbara Bottner, New York Times best-selling author, is a screenwriter, TV writer, and writing coach, who began her multi-hyphenate career as an artist and actor. Designing off-Broadway sets in the ’60s led her to performance and following her career in theatre, she began writing and illustrating books for children. In total, she has written over 40 books in all areas of children’s literature including Young Adult, Middle Grade, chapter, and "I Can Reads". Several of her award-winning picture books have been animated and translated into multiple languages.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raymond and Nelda are the best of friends. They make up funny songs and share chocolate-covered strawberries. They like to play ball and they always laugh at each others jokes. But one day, Nelda twirls for Raymond and falls down. Raymond laughs at her. Some friend! says Nelda. Now the two arent speaking. But life isnt nearly as much fun without a best friend with whom to share it. Its up to Florence the mail lady to deliver some important letters that just might help Nelda and Raymond make up and be best friends once again. Author Barbara Bottners quirky story of a friendship that gets off track will resonate with young readers as they negotiate the highs and lows of their own relationships. Nancy Hayashis illustrations colorfully capture the appeal of the characters and the charm of the story.

[Alia · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was rather creepy that the title characters looked like adult animals and act like poorly behaved grown-ups rather than real children. Nelda (the rabbit) comes off particularly bad. I kinda hoped that Raymond (The squirrel)wouldn't forgive her in the end. Now that would make an interesting book.

[N · Rating 3 out of 5]

A (seemingly middle aged) squirrel and rabbit have a string of misunderstandings. Chocolate covered strawberry eating ensues.

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nelda and Florence try to forget about each other after they have a fight. Florence their mail lady helps them reunite with each other.