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Bink & Gollie #2
Bink and Gollie: Two for One
"Utterly chuckle-worthy, charming, and (thank goodness) still refreshing." — Kirkus Reviews
The state fair is in town, and now Bink and Gollie — utter opposites and best friends extraordinaire — must use teamwork and their gray matter while navigating its many wonders. Will the energetic Bink win the world's largest donut in the Whack-a-Duck game? Will the artistic Gollie wow the crowd in the talent show? As the undaunted duo steps into the mysterious tent of fortune-teller Madame Prunely, one prediction is crystal clear: this unlikely pair will always be the closest of pals. Get ready for more laughs in this wry, warmhearted sequel to the New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book Bink and Gollie, written by the award-winning, best-selling Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee and featuring the exuberant visual humor of illustrator Tony Fucile.
The state fair is in town, and now Bink and Gollie — utter opposites and best friends extraordinaire — must use teamwork and their gray matter while navigating its many wonders. Will the energetic Bink win the world's largest donut in the Whack-a-Duck game? Will the artistic Gollie wow the crowd in the talent show? As the undaunted duo steps into the mysterious tent of fortune-teller Madame Prunely, one prediction is crystal clear: this unlikely pair will always be the closest of pals. Get ready for more laughs in this wry, warmhearted sequel to the New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book Bink and Gollie, written by the award-winning, best-selling Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee and featuring the exuberant visual humor of illustrator Tony Fucile.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2012
25 people are currently reading
1257 people want to read
About the author
Kate DiCamillo
162 books11.1k followersKate DiCamillo, the newly named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature for 2014–2015, says about stories, “When we read together, we connect. Together, we see the world. Together, we see one another.” Born in Philadelphia, the author lives in Minneapolis, where she faithfully writes two pages a day, five days a week.
Kate DiCamillo's own journey is something of a dream come true. After moving to Minnesota from Florida in her twenties, homesickness and a bitter winter helped inspire Because of Winn-Dixie - her first published novel, which, remarkably, became a runaway bestseller and snapped up a Newbery Honor. "After the Newbery committee called me, I spent the whole day walking into walls," she says. "I was stunned. And very, very happy."
Her second novel, The Tiger Rising, went on to become a National Book Award Finalist. Since then, the master storyteller has written for a wide range of ages, including two comical early-chapter-book series - Mercy Watson, which stars a "porcine wonder" with an obsession for buttered toast, and Bink & Gollie, which celebrates the tall and short of a marvelous friendship - as well as a luminous holiday picture book, Great Joy.
Her latest novel, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures, won the 2014 Newbery Medal. It was released in fall 2013 to great acclaim, including five starred reviews, and was an instant New York Times bestseller. Flora & Ulysses is a laugh-out-loud story filled with eccentric, endearing characters and featuring an exciting new format - a novel interspersed with comic-style graphic sequences and full-page illustrations, all rendered in black and white by up-and-coming artist K. G. Campbell. It was a 2013 Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner and was chosen by Amazon, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Common Sense Media as a Best Book of the Year.
Kate DiCamillo's own journey is something of a dream come true. After moving to Minnesota from Florida in her twenties, homesickness and a bitter winter helped inspire Because of Winn-Dixie - her first published novel, which, remarkably, became a runaway bestseller and snapped up a Newbery Honor. "After the Newbery committee called me, I spent the whole day walking into walls," she says. "I was stunned. And very, very happy."
Her second novel, The Tiger Rising, went on to become a National Book Award Finalist. Since then, the master storyteller has written for a wide range of ages, including two comical early-chapter-book series - Mercy Watson, which stars a "porcine wonder" with an obsession for buttered toast, and Bink & Gollie, which celebrates the tall and short of a marvelous friendship - as well as a luminous holiday picture book, Great Joy.
Her latest novel, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures, won the 2014 Newbery Medal. It was released in fall 2013 to great acclaim, including five starred reviews, and was an instant New York Times bestseller. Flora & Ulysses is a laugh-out-loud story filled with eccentric, endearing characters and featuring an exciting new format - a novel interspersed with comic-style graphic sequences and full-page illustrations, all rendered in black and white by up-and-coming artist K. G. Campbell. It was a 2013 Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner and was chosen by Amazon, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Common Sense Media as a Best Book of the Year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
March 2, 2018
These two make such good friends. They have 3 adventures at the state fair together that are fresh and funny. The art is light and these are wonderful books.
Bink cannot throw and Gollie cannot recite to people and they both are pleased with their destiny. I loved the fortune telling ending and Bink's answer. It was amazing.
This is such a great beginners reading book. Kate DiCamillo is so talented.
I will read the last one.
Bink cannot throw and Gollie cannot recite to people and they both are pleased with their destiny. I loved the fortune telling ending and Bink's answer. It was amazing.
This is such a great beginners reading book. Kate DiCamillo is so talented.
I will read the last one.
December 8, 2018
I read the other two Bink & Gollie books earlier this year, since they were the only ones the library had. I requested Two for One last week, and now the library has the full series... so people can read the books in order. That said, there's really no need to read them in order, since the stories are all self-contained. There are little touches here and there (like that rainbow sock from the first book) that continue throughout the series, but knowing the origins of those things isn't necessary for enjoying the rest of the books.
In this installment, Bink and Gollie go to the fair. There didn't seem to be quite as much witty dialogue in this one as in the other two, although the pictures pick up the storytelling slack. The first story, where Bink tries to win a giant donut by playing Whack-a-Duck, is pretty funny. The poor Whack-a-Duck man! But the girls show their kindness in a heartwarming way, turning what could've been a tragedy into a sweet episode.
The last story involves Bink and Gollie visiting a fortune teller. It's a cute ending that wraps up everything that happened that day, and reaffirms the girls' friendship.
As always, the illustrations are great. The expressions on the girls' faces are priceless, and I love how their clothes reflect their personalities (without them always wearing the exact same thing, as characters in comics sometimes do).
While it wasn't my favourite of the series (that honour goes to the first book), I still really liked it. I wish this trilogy had been around when I was a kid. And I wish there were more books about Bink and Gollie's adventures as best friends!
Quotable moment:
In this installment, Bink and Gollie go to the fair. There didn't seem to be quite as much witty dialogue in this one as in the other two, although the pictures pick up the storytelling slack. The first story, where Bink tries to win a giant donut by playing Whack-a-Duck, is pretty funny. The poor Whack-a-Duck man! But the girls show their kindness in a heartwarming way, turning what could've been a tragedy into a sweet episode.
The last story involves Bink and Gollie visiting a fortune teller. It's a cute ending that wraps up everything that happened that day, and reaffirms the girls' friendship.
As always, the illustrations are great. The expressions on the girls' faces are priceless, and I love how their clothes reflect their personalities (without them always wearing the exact same thing, as characters in comics sometimes do).
While it wasn't my favourite of the series (that honour goes to the first book), I still really liked it. I wish this trilogy had been around when I was a kid. And I wish there were more books about Bink and Gollie's adventures as best friends!
Quotable moment:
"What's next?" said Bink. "The Ferris wheel? The Big Daddy Octopus? The Bump-a-ramabumper cars?"
"Destiny," said Gollie.
"Destiny?" said Bink. "Is it a ride?"
"In a manner of speaking," said Gollie.
March 4, 2021
Kate Dicamillo can pretty much do no wrong in my book. And what’s better is that I’m getting to experience most of her work with my kids.
Bink and Gollie are such great characters. They couldn’t be more different from each other, and that makes them unique. That, combined with their relationship and realistic adventures together, makes them so relatable to the kids reading their stories.
We’ve read these together before, but adding audio was fun! Definitely recommend for young readers (and those young at heart) 🙂
Bink and Gollie are such great characters. They couldn’t be more different from each other, and that makes them unique. That, combined with their relationship and realistic adventures together, makes them so relatable to the kids reading their stories.
We’ve read these together before, but adding audio was fun! Definitely recommend for young readers (and those young at heart) 🙂
January 31, 2012
I am still chuckling over Whack-a-duck. I love Bink & Gollie. I have waited so long for this one and now I'll have to keep reading it again and again until the next one comes out....please tell me that there will be a next one?!
May 26, 2012
Bink and Gollie are the best duo in kidlit. Funny, touching, and real.
January 31, 2012
5 stars don't get much easier to give. I am completely in love with this book.
August 11, 2013
I cannot adequately express my love for Bink & Gollie. They are, I am pretty sure, my all-time favorite book-related best-friends duo. I love them more than Frog & Toad. I love them more than--dare I say it?--more than Elephant & Piggie. That's a lot of love.
Two for One is the second book in what will be, I hope, a gazillion-book series. However, Kate & Allison probably don't have that kind of time, so I'll settle for a dozen, bare minimum.
Bink & Gollie go to the State Fair here, and why am I not surprised that Bink hits the midway right off the bat? The Whack-a-Duck booth gets her attention, because of the marvelous prize. This book doesn't come out until summer 2012, so I can't give away any details. But rest assured, if you loved the first appearance of Bink & Gollie, you will love this one, as well. There were at least two illustrations that made me laugh out loud, and in the last of the three stories there is one illustration that just killed me. Priceless.
Two for One is the second book in what will be, I hope, a gazillion-book series. However, Kate & Allison probably don't have that kind of time, so I'll settle for a dozen, bare minimum.
Bink & Gollie go to the State Fair here, and why am I not surprised that Bink hits the midway right off the bat? The Whack-a-Duck booth gets her attention, because of the marvelous prize. This book doesn't come out until summer 2012, so I can't give away any details. But rest assured, if you loved the first appearance of Bink & Gollie, you will love this one, as well. There were at least two illustrations that made me laugh out loud, and in the last of the three stories there is one illustration that just killed me. Priceless.
Read
January 22, 2012LOVE this follow-up to BINK AND GOLLIE. This time, the two friends find themselves at the fair where games await promising super prizes, a talent show beckons one to stage, and a fortune teller provides the friends with a message they had been carrying with them the whole time.
This one begs for One Book Four Hands sharing. Three separate stories coming out the fair would work nicely spread out over the course of a couple days during shared reading time, but I have the feeling that most younger readers will want to keep going through until the end.
The stories are short, whimsically-illustrated, with words that can be read with relative ease by the very small.
The spread-page illustations are delightful. Seeing Bink wind up for the baseball pitch is a favorite of mine from the collection.
After reading this BINK AND GOLLIE, I can only hope that there are many more in store for younger readers. BINK AND GOLLIE make for a natural "ladder" to series for older readers to include IVY AND BEAN.
This one begs for One Book Four Hands sharing. Three separate stories coming out the fair would work nicely spread out over the course of a couple days during shared reading time, but I have the feeling that most younger readers will want to keep going through until the end.
The stories are short, whimsically-illustrated, with words that can be read with relative ease by the very small.
The spread-page illustations are delightful. Seeing Bink wind up for the baseball pitch is a favorite of mine from the collection.
After reading this BINK AND GOLLIE, I can only hope that there are many more in store for younger readers. BINK AND GOLLIE make for a natural "ladder" to series for older readers to include IVY AND BEAN.
October 24, 2013
We really enjoyed this one. Great detailed imaginative pictures, it captivated my 5 yr old as well as my 3 yr old twins. Took us a bit to figure out they both were girls but in the end it was obvious. All three of my boys enjoyed this book even though its main characters were girls. The stories were something they each could relate to and yet not easy to guess the ending, which made it more fun. Although it was a chapter book, there weren't really enough words to make it a stand alone reader, maybe somewhere around a level 1 or 2 reading book. Too easy for advanced readers, but still fun. My 5 yr old asked for more Bink & Gollie books and that's what I was hoping for. They've already been added to our hold list at the library, which is once again past 100 books!
January 5, 2013
This is the second Bink and Gollie book, the two complete opposite girls who are friends in spite of their many differences. In this installment, Bink and Gollie go to the State Fair. It is quite an adventure! Bink tries her hand at knocking down ducks in hopes of winning a giant donut. Then Gollie signs up for the talent show. Finally they have a sit down with the fair's fortune teller, and learn all they need to know.
This book is quite funny. It will make you giggle out loud. The characters are as loveable as they were in the first of this witty series that proves opposites attract. I hope that there are more.
This book is quite funny. It will make you giggle out loud. The characters are as loveable as they were in the first of this witty series that proves opposites attract. I hope that there are more.
July 25, 2019
Best friends Bink and Gollie, two inseparable companions with very different personalities, return in this second collection of stories devoted to their adventures, following upon the initial
Bink & Gollie
. In this installment of the series, the friends attend the state fair, where their relative lack of success - Bink doesn't win the biggest donut ever in the whack a duck game, while Gollie doesn't cover herself in glory in the talent show - fades to insignificance after a visit to Madame Prunely the fortune-teller.
Like its predecessor, Bink and Gollie: Two for One was an entertaining tale of two very different girls who somehow manage, despite their very different approaches to life, to complement one another perfectly. I was reminded, in this respect, of Arnold Lobel's classic Frog and Toad stories, which also chronicle the doings of two friends. I've heard it said that Bink represents a young Kate DiCamillo and Gollie a young Alison McGhee, however that may be, their differing perspectives are wonderfully combined in these stories, and their humorous adventures captures in the droll artwork of Tony Fucile. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed the first Bink and Gollie book, or who is looking for humorous stories for beginning chapter-books readers.
Like its predecessor, Bink and Gollie: Two for One was an entertaining tale of two very different girls who somehow manage, despite their very different approaches to life, to complement one another perfectly. I was reminded, in this respect, of Arnold Lobel's classic Frog and Toad stories, which also chronicle the doings of two friends. I've heard it said that Bink represents a young Kate DiCamillo and Gollie a young Alison McGhee, however that may be, their differing perspectives are wonderfully combined in these stories, and their humorous adventures captures in the droll artwork of Tony Fucile. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed the first Bink and Gollie book, or who is looking for humorous stories for beginning chapter-books readers.
January 28, 2012
Bink and Gollie are back and on their way to the state fair.One of their first stops is at the Whack-A-Duck booth where Bink's aim is no match for her enthusiasm. While she doesn't win the world's largest donut in one toss, Bink's pitching technique is bound to make young readers laugh.
It's Gollie's turn to put herself forward when the girls discover the Amateur Talent Show. Gollie joins the long wait to perform while Bink settles in next to the purple-suited judge to watch the other contestants. The first act is a pickle-juggling boy with a balancing problem and the second is a singer who brings a new meaning to caterwauling. Bink's enthusiasm as Gollie takes the stage is precious, but I find the audience she gives Gollie afterwards more endearing.
Then the two girls have an appointment with destiny, though Bink has no idea of the meaning of the word. Madame Prunely tells the girls their immediate past, but it is the future that most excites them. My favorite illustrations came in this chapter of the book whent he girls wait outside the fortune teller's tent and when Bink charges on to her future.
Tony Fucile's illustrations are marvelous. Bink's personality pops right off the page with her spiky blond hair and expressive features.I love the use of color to spotlight the two friends and focus the reader on the immediate action. I also enjoyed the buttons both girls sported by the end of the book.
These three stories would make an excellent classroom read aloud. Quirky, lovable, realistic characters make this book a delight. In this first book the two girls had to work through their differences and in this one they enjoy their day despite disappointments. I hope there will be more Bink & Gollie to come. I can't wait to purchase this title for my school library.
My copy of this book came as a digital galley through NetGalley.
It's Gollie's turn to put herself forward when the girls discover the Amateur Talent Show. Gollie joins the long wait to perform while Bink settles in next to the purple-suited judge to watch the other contestants. The first act is a pickle-juggling boy with a balancing problem and the second is a singer who brings a new meaning to caterwauling. Bink's enthusiasm as Gollie takes the stage is precious, but I find the audience she gives Gollie afterwards more endearing.
Then the two girls have an appointment with destiny, though Bink has no idea of the meaning of the word. Madame Prunely tells the girls their immediate past, but it is the future that most excites them. My favorite illustrations came in this chapter of the book whent he girls wait outside the fortune teller's tent and when Bink charges on to her future.
Tony Fucile's illustrations are marvelous. Bink's personality pops right off the page with her spiky blond hair and expressive features.I love the use of color to spotlight the two friends and focus the reader on the immediate action. I also enjoyed the buttons both girls sported by the end of the book.
These three stories would make an excellent classroom read aloud. Quirky, lovable, realistic characters make this book a delight. In this first book the two girls had to work through their differences and in this one they enjoy their day despite disappointments. I hope there will be more Bink & Gollie to come. I can't wait to purchase this title for my school library.
My copy of this book came as a digital galley through NetGalley.
April 14, 2013
For those parents who are despairing the vapid worthlessness of modern children's literature, I offer you Kate DiCamillo. Of course, this is not a new name, but her picture books and easy readers are absolutely pitch perfect. We read through all of the Mercy Watson books (they're great) and just started on this Bink and Gollie series, which is just wonderful. It's reminiscent of Suess and Sendak, which is a nice alternative to the horrid Pinkalicious books.
Bink and Gollie center around a friendship between two girls, and their adventures remind me of Calvin and Hobbes. In one vignette, Bink and Gollie have a disagreement, and they are both searching for ways to compromise and make it better. The entire story illustrates that they are upset, and that they want to make it better.
Compare that to the story arc of Purplicious, where the protagonist spends the entire story being bullied in absolutely horrible ways, only to find a new friend on the very last page (and somehow that makes the rest okay.) Purplicious presents bullying as a fact of life and does nothing to redeem it. Bink and Gollie illustrate how wonderful a good friendship can be.
So far there are only two Bink and Gollie books. We are desperately hoping for more.
Bink and Gollie center around a friendship between two girls, and their adventures remind me of Calvin and Hobbes. In one vignette, Bink and Gollie have a disagreement, and they are both searching for ways to compromise and make it better. The entire story illustrates that they are upset, and that they want to make it better.
Compare that to the story arc of Purplicious, where the protagonist spends the entire story being bullied in absolutely horrible ways, only to find a new friend on the very last page (and somehow that makes the rest okay.) Purplicious presents bullying as a fact of life and does nothing to redeem it. Bink and Gollie illustrate how wonderful a good friendship can be.
So far there are only two Bink and Gollie books. We are desperately hoping for more.
July 8, 2012
No two friends could be more different than Bink with her messy hairdo and daredevil attitude and Gollie with her prim and proper ways and neatly combed hair. But they're friends, and really, that's all that matters. In this follow up title to the inaugural Bink and Gollie that won a Theodore Seuss Geisel Award, the two friends head to the fair. There Bink tries to win a prize by throwing a baseball at ducks, Gollie tries and fails to participate in the talent show, and the two have their fortunes told. The text and digital illustrations make it clear that come what may, the bond between this unlikely due is sure to hold. I cannot imagine anyone not liking these two.
July 14, 2012
I loved it even more than the first one. I laughed so hard while reading "Whack a Duck" that my abs hurt. And then I teared up a little during the talent show bit in the barn. I just adore Bink and Gollie - probably because I like to imagine my sister and I in those scenarios. (Alanna would be Bink. I would be Gollie.)
Full review forthcoming on www.slatebreakers.com
Full review forthcoming on www.slatebreakers.com
November 29, 2012
I love Bink. I relate to Bink. But I am probably more like Gollie. Tony Fucile's illustrations, especially the page in which Bink is winding up to throw the ball, are a big part of what make this series so enjoyable. Now - where can I get some donuts?
February 4, 2012
"Destiny? Is it a ride?" - Bink
"In a manner of speaking" - Gollie
I LOVE BINK! The second installment of Bink and Gollie is even better than the first, in my opinion. The illustrations are amazing and the tongue-in-cheek humor captured me from page 1. I cannot WAIT to share this with students.
"In a manner of speaking" - Gollie
I LOVE BINK! The second installment of Bink and Gollie is even better than the first, in my opinion. The illustrations are amazing and the tongue-in-cheek humor captured me from page 1. I cannot WAIT to share this with students.
January 7, 2013
Another Bink & Goloie book; this one is better than the original.,
Two good friends spend a day at the state fair. Bink tries her luck on the Midway and Gollie enters the amateur talent show.
Two good friends spend a day at the state fair. Bink tries her luck on the Midway and Gollie enters the amateur talent show.
April 16, 2013
If you have a sibling this is a great book for you it is all about friendship and kindness
January 2, 2017
I like that the chapters are short and I love that Bink is so funny and I really like the way they are all ways friends!
March 15, 2014
Parents need to know that the graphic novel Bink & Gollie: Two for One, the sequel to Bink and Gollie, extends the girls' friendship through a series of misadventures at the state fair. Though it can be enjoyed without having read the first book, its message deepens if readers can see how the tested friendship has grown since Book 1. Created in a graphic novel format for younger kids, the story is touching and original, and the animated illustrations are fantastic!
Educational value
More entertaining than educational, this story may still open discussions about state fairs, carnival games, talent shows, and fortune tellers, or about friendship and how sticking together with your friend is what counts. It's also a great example of how the illustrations in graphic novels can tell as much story as the words.
Positive messages
Bink and Gollie are even closer friends in this sequel, and their loyalty and support is what makes that friendship work. For example, Gollie stands by supportively and patiently as the energetic Bink whacks everything but a duck in the Whack-a-Duck booth, more than once. And Bink's creative enthusiasm pulls the embarrassed Gollie out of a disappointing moment after she freezes in front of the audience during the amateur talent show.
Positive role models
Though neither Bink nor Gollie are very real, they're characters to whom kids will relate; most people know kids who are like each of them. They live life differently, one a ball of energy, the other quiet and artistic. But they're both kind and thoughtful and know what it means to be a good friend.
Violence & scariness
Some slapstick, cartoony violence that kids will find funny when Bink tries to whack a duck and hits the man in the booth instead, several times, leaving him with broken glasses and a bandaged head and arm.
Language
Not applicable
From commonsensemedia.org
Booklist (May 1, 2012 (Vol. 108, No. 17))
Grades K-3. This sequel to Bink and Gollie (2010) finds petite, excitable Bink and tall, collected Gollie attending the state fair. In the first story of three, Bink hopes to win the “world’s largest donut” in the Whack-a-Duck game, but she ends up whacking the poor game attendant instead; next, Gollie enters a talent show but suffers from stage fright until she finds a less intimidating, captive audience; and finally, the two visit a fortune-teller named Madame Prunely, who sees into the girls’ immediate past (“I see that the past is replete with loss. A donut. A duck. Talent without applause”) and also into their friendship’s bright future. Fucile’s lively artwork and detailed cartoon-style drawings, in combination with DiCamillo and McGhee’s simple, droll words, are spot-on when it comes to depicting humorous and sympathetic moments, and they excel in highlighting the great joys of best friendship. Kids will be left eagerly anticipating the further adventures of this unlikely—and completely charming—duo.
Horn Book (May/June, 2012)
The odd-couple besties (Bink & Gollie, rev. 1/11) star in three new stories that take place at a state fair. "Whack a Duck" has short-stuff Bink turning a carnival game into an injury zone. "You’re Special, Aren’t You?" finds beanpole Gollie freezing up during talent-show tryouts. In "Without Question," a two-for-one psychic reading predicts a future of companionship for the pals. The stories are rewarding in different ways: "Duck" for its slapstick-y humor, "Special" (the most compelling of the three) for its poignancy, and "Question" for its affirmation of camaraderie. Though each episode is discrete, the well-paced adventures form a satisfying arc. DiCamillo and McGhee’s all-dialogue text is crisp and character specific: Bink, perpetually overexcited, speaks in short, caffeinated bursts while Gollie’s thoughts emerge fully formed. Fucile’s digital illustrations, black and white with frequent, strategic pops of color, use copious motion lines and cinematic views; there’s real tension, for example, in "Special," between the close-up of Gollie’s face as stage fright sets in and (page turn) the two panned-back images of her standing alone in front of the audience. But Bink, with a simple solution, neutralizes Gollie’s mortification in that way only best friends can. elissa gershowitz
Horn Book starred (Fall 2012)
The odd-couple besties (Bink & Gollie) star in three new stories that take place at a state fair. Though all three are discrete, the well-paced adventures form a satisfying arc, each story rewarding in different ways--for slapstick humor, poignancy, or affirmation of camaraderie. Black-and-white illustrations, with frequent, strategic pops of color, use copious motion lines and cinematic views.
Kirkus Reviews (April 15, 2012)
Winsome duo Bink and Gollie are back, this time zipping through a day at the state fair (Bink & Gollie, 2010). Messy-mopped Bink goes immediately to the Whack-a-Duck game. After all, the prize is the world's largest donut. In a brilliant spread that shows every step of her comical windup, Bink's pitch explodes with energy. She is endearingly hopeful, but ... not exactly on target. The next chapter is Gollie's turn to shine. She enters the talent show with stars in her eyes. But when she opens her mouth on stage, nothing comes out--though her expressions are priceless. Luckily there is a much more forgiving audience right around the corner. The last story showcases Bink and Gollie together. Madame Prunely tells them their fortune. ("Destiny?" asks Bink. "Is it a ride?" / "In a manner of speaking," replies Gollie.) However, these two best friends don't need to hear much about their future. They have each other and that's all that matters. It's difficult to match the exuberance of first meeting (or reading) this winning pair, but Bink and Gollie's second adventure won't disappoint. Utterly chuckle-worthy, charming and (thank goodness) still refreshing. Friendships can be tricky to navigate, but if youngsters find half of the joy and loyalty of this pair, they'll be set. (Early reader. 6-8)
Publishers Weekly (May 21, 2012)
If Bink and Gollie's first adventure emphasized the simple pleasures of roller skating, novelty socks, and imaginary mountain-climbing expeditions, DiCamillo and McGhee's sequel suggests that the world is a strange and unpredictable place, best faced with one's closest friend at one's side. This trio of stories is set at the state fair (where better to observe the odder side of life?), and while this mismatched duo's friendship remains feisty and close-knit, an unsettling undercurrent runs through the tales. Bink tries her hand at the Whack-a-Duck game in the surprisingly violent first story, nailing the game's operator in the face with a baseball three times (strike three mercifully occurs off-screen, but Bink's first two efforts are drawn in graphic detail). In the following stories, Gollie competes (unsuccessfully) in a talent competition, and the girls visit a fortune-teller. The book's best moment occurs after Madame Prunely reveals that the girls will be together in the future. "That's all the future I need to know," shouts Bink, charging out of the tent. Here's hoping that future is brighter. Ages 6-8. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
School Library Journal (May 1, 2012)
Gr 1-3-Best friends Bink and Gollie are complete opposites in terms of appearance; Bink is short and squat with an explosion of yellow hair and rumpled clothes, and Gollie is tall and slender with a smooth bob and a chic outfit. They are kindred spirits, though, and readers will delight in sharing in their adventures at the state fair. First, Bink tries mightily (yet unsuccessfully) to win one of the games, then Gollie decides to enter a talent competition but is gripped by a bout of stage fright. Finally, both girls have their fortunes told by Madame Prunely, and they realize that the future doesn't matter too much as long as they're together. The common thread linking all of the stories is the girls' respect and compassion for each other, and the realization that having a good buddy makes life's little vexations more tolerable. Short, compact sentences make this book an ideal selection for beginning readers. There are some challenging vocabulary words, but readers should be able to glean much of the story from the fantastic illustrations. Fucile employs an economical use of sketchy lines and splashes of color to capture facial expressions and emotions with spot-on accuracy. His artwork goes a long way in making this title the funny, touching book that it is. It would be no surprise if Bink and Gollie were to join the likes of Elephant and Piggie and Frog and Toad in the ranks of favorite friend duos. Hilarious, warm, and, in a word, outstanding.-Amy Holland, Irondequoit Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Educational value
More entertaining than educational, this story may still open discussions about state fairs, carnival games, talent shows, and fortune tellers, or about friendship and how sticking together with your friend is what counts. It's also a great example of how the illustrations in graphic novels can tell as much story as the words.
Positive messages
Bink and Gollie are even closer friends in this sequel, and their loyalty and support is what makes that friendship work. For example, Gollie stands by supportively and patiently as the energetic Bink whacks everything but a duck in the Whack-a-Duck booth, more than once. And Bink's creative enthusiasm pulls the embarrassed Gollie out of a disappointing moment after she freezes in front of the audience during the amateur talent show.
Positive role models
Though neither Bink nor Gollie are very real, they're characters to whom kids will relate; most people know kids who are like each of them. They live life differently, one a ball of energy, the other quiet and artistic. But they're both kind and thoughtful and know what it means to be a good friend.
Violence & scariness
Some slapstick, cartoony violence that kids will find funny when Bink tries to whack a duck and hits the man in the booth instead, several times, leaving him with broken glasses and a bandaged head and arm.
Language
Not applicable
From commonsensemedia.org
Booklist (May 1, 2012 (Vol. 108, No. 17))
Grades K-3. This sequel to Bink and Gollie (2010) finds petite, excitable Bink and tall, collected Gollie attending the state fair. In the first story of three, Bink hopes to win the “world’s largest donut” in the Whack-a-Duck game, but she ends up whacking the poor game attendant instead; next, Gollie enters a talent show but suffers from stage fright until she finds a less intimidating, captive audience; and finally, the two visit a fortune-teller named Madame Prunely, who sees into the girls’ immediate past (“I see that the past is replete with loss. A donut. A duck. Talent without applause”) and also into their friendship’s bright future. Fucile’s lively artwork and detailed cartoon-style drawings, in combination with DiCamillo and McGhee’s simple, droll words, are spot-on when it comes to depicting humorous and sympathetic moments, and they excel in highlighting the great joys of best friendship. Kids will be left eagerly anticipating the further adventures of this unlikely—and completely charming—duo.
Horn Book (May/June, 2012)
The odd-couple besties (Bink & Gollie, rev. 1/11) star in three new stories that take place at a state fair. "Whack a Duck" has short-stuff Bink turning a carnival game into an injury zone. "You’re Special, Aren’t You?" finds beanpole Gollie freezing up during talent-show tryouts. In "Without Question," a two-for-one psychic reading predicts a future of companionship for the pals. The stories are rewarding in different ways: "Duck" for its slapstick-y humor, "Special" (the most compelling of the three) for its poignancy, and "Question" for its affirmation of camaraderie. Though each episode is discrete, the well-paced adventures form a satisfying arc. DiCamillo and McGhee’s all-dialogue text is crisp and character specific: Bink, perpetually overexcited, speaks in short, caffeinated bursts while Gollie’s thoughts emerge fully formed. Fucile’s digital illustrations, black and white with frequent, strategic pops of color, use copious motion lines and cinematic views; there’s real tension, for example, in "Special," between the close-up of Gollie’s face as stage fright sets in and (page turn) the two panned-back images of her standing alone in front of the audience. But Bink, with a simple solution, neutralizes Gollie’s mortification in that way only best friends can. elissa gershowitz
Horn Book starred (Fall 2012)
The odd-couple besties (Bink & Gollie) star in three new stories that take place at a state fair. Though all three are discrete, the well-paced adventures form a satisfying arc, each story rewarding in different ways--for slapstick humor, poignancy, or affirmation of camaraderie. Black-and-white illustrations, with frequent, strategic pops of color, use copious motion lines and cinematic views.
Kirkus Reviews (April 15, 2012)
Winsome duo Bink and Gollie are back, this time zipping through a day at the state fair (Bink & Gollie, 2010). Messy-mopped Bink goes immediately to the Whack-a-Duck game. After all, the prize is the world's largest donut. In a brilliant spread that shows every step of her comical windup, Bink's pitch explodes with energy. She is endearingly hopeful, but ... not exactly on target. The next chapter is Gollie's turn to shine. She enters the talent show with stars in her eyes. But when she opens her mouth on stage, nothing comes out--though her expressions are priceless. Luckily there is a much more forgiving audience right around the corner. The last story showcases Bink and Gollie together. Madame Prunely tells them their fortune. ("Destiny?" asks Bink. "Is it a ride?" / "In a manner of speaking," replies Gollie.) However, these two best friends don't need to hear much about their future. They have each other and that's all that matters. It's difficult to match the exuberance of first meeting (or reading) this winning pair, but Bink and Gollie's second adventure won't disappoint. Utterly chuckle-worthy, charming and (thank goodness) still refreshing. Friendships can be tricky to navigate, but if youngsters find half of the joy and loyalty of this pair, they'll be set. (Early reader. 6-8)
Publishers Weekly (May 21, 2012)
If Bink and Gollie's first adventure emphasized the simple pleasures of roller skating, novelty socks, and imaginary mountain-climbing expeditions, DiCamillo and McGhee's sequel suggests that the world is a strange and unpredictable place, best faced with one's closest friend at one's side. This trio of stories is set at the state fair (where better to observe the odder side of life?), and while this mismatched duo's friendship remains feisty and close-knit, an unsettling undercurrent runs through the tales. Bink tries her hand at the Whack-a-Duck game in the surprisingly violent first story, nailing the game's operator in the face with a baseball three times (strike three mercifully occurs off-screen, but Bink's first two efforts are drawn in graphic detail). In the following stories, Gollie competes (unsuccessfully) in a talent competition, and the girls visit a fortune-teller. The book's best moment occurs after Madame Prunely reveals that the girls will be together in the future. "That's all the future I need to know," shouts Bink, charging out of the tent. Here's hoping that future is brighter. Ages 6-8. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
School Library Journal (May 1, 2012)
Gr 1-3-Best friends Bink and Gollie are complete opposites in terms of appearance; Bink is short and squat with an explosion of yellow hair and rumpled clothes, and Gollie is tall and slender with a smooth bob and a chic outfit. They are kindred spirits, though, and readers will delight in sharing in their adventures at the state fair. First, Bink tries mightily (yet unsuccessfully) to win one of the games, then Gollie decides to enter a talent competition but is gripped by a bout of stage fright. Finally, both girls have their fortunes told by Madame Prunely, and they realize that the future doesn't matter too much as long as they're together. The common thread linking all of the stories is the girls' respect and compassion for each other, and the realization that having a good buddy makes life's little vexations more tolerable. Short, compact sentences make this book an ideal selection for beginning readers. There are some challenging vocabulary words, but readers should be able to glean much of the story from the fantastic illustrations. Fucile employs an economical use of sketchy lines and splashes of color to capture facial expressions and emotions with spot-on accuracy. His artwork goes a long way in making this title the funny, touching book that it is. It would be no surprise if Bink and Gollie were to join the likes of Elephant and Piggie and Frog and Toad in the ranks of favorite friend duos. Hilarious, warm, and, in a word, outstanding.-Amy Holland, Irondequoit Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2015
Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee make a nice writing team, probably similar in personality to Bink and Gollie (and I have a strong hunch which one is Bink). In the tradition of Arnold Lobel's award-winning Frog and Toad series, we see a day unfold with Bink and Gollie at the fair, a relatively routine sort of excursion for these two friends one could hardly imagine seeing apart. As the day moves along and Bink and Gollie spend their time rescuing one other when help is needed, and celebrating their successes when all is well, we see there's much more behind this particular set of friends than coincidence. If any two friends were meant for each other, it's Bink and Gollie, and they never forget to be grateful for that.
Bink loves to win, but isn't a prodigy at every activity to which she puts her hand. That includes throwing a baseball, even when the incentive for a perfectly accurate throw is as tempting a reward as the world's largest donut, and we soon see, as Gollie does, that a few errant throws in tight quarters can cause quite a mess of things. But Bink isn't oblivious to the harm inflicted by her wayward tosses in pursuit of the fresh-baked prize, and she won't let the damage sit without making amends.
Gollie sees herself as a multitalented girl, perfectly capable of taking top honors in the fair's talent competition; so when she sees a poster announcing the contest, deciding to enter is a cinch. Skills that never seem to fail in a vacuum have a way of not presenting as well in front of an audience of hundreds, however, and Gollie's talent may have to choose another stage on which to shine. But Bink is there for Gollie, as always, to give her that stage when she needs it, as well provide an appreciative audience of one for her to put on the show that never was. If one couldn't see what Bink brought to the friendship before, it's clear now, and I'm positive there was never a doubt in Gollie's mind.
By the time the pair of friends make their way to the edge of the fairgrounds where Madame Prunely's fortune-telling tent is set up, we've observed enough to predict their future even without the aid of a clairvoyant. A soothsayer may command whatever room she's in when she claims to see what lies beyond the morrow, but Bink and Gollie don't need to know every secret kept behind the solid mask of the future. All they need to see is themselves, together, still friends as ever before, and that's enough to know the coming days are going to be fine. Who could need more than that?
I love Kate DiCamillo's writing, and always will. As I see it, though, the real star of Bink & Gollie: Two for One is illustrator Tony Fucile. His depictions of scenes at the fair show remarkable insight into how unusual sensory experiences meet one's perception, dizzying spaces and atmospheric action piling up or stretching out exquisitely to sear the experience in our memories. I love the mostly black-and-white drawing of Bink and Gollie's elaborate treehouse on the book's title page. That is a treehouse I would want, and could happily spend hours in each day, as long it was with a friend. I like the illustration of the juggler cascading five pickles in the talent contest; pickles would be an unpredictable prop to juggle, hard to figure how they'd land in one's hand with each catch, but the pattern shown is legitimate. That actually is how five objects look when juggled. The sweeping artwork showing the hundreds of spectators at the competition is good, too, evoking some of the feeling of stepping on stage before an audience waiting in quiet anticipation of what you're going to do to entertain them. I also like that in every mostly black-and-white drawing in the book, Bink and Gollie are still in color, so it's easy to spot them even in the broadest panoramas, such as the impressive wide-angle view of the grandstand and livestock barn on pages forty-six and forty-seven. There are some excellent interior looks at the barn, as well, the softness of the black-and-white shading a nice contrast to the two girls in color. But I think the book's two most beautiful illustrations are from the last chapter: first, the expanse of the fair's quiet area where Madame Prunely's tent is located, night setting in beneath the wondrous blanket of the sky, studded by twinkling stars to help guide those continuing to walk the fairgrounds; second, the breathtaking panorama of the entire fair beneath the gentle white glow of moonlight, the night sky's inky blackness lit up in short, colorful bursts by a fireworks show on the side farthest from Madame Prunely's tent. Here we see everything the fair offers its attendees, and it's a marvelous variety: sideshow games and carousels, food stands and a ferris wheel, roller coasters and long uninterrupted walkways where one can wander the grounds alone or with a friend and drink in the happy sights that make the fair an unforgettable place to visit. The night ahead sparkles with possibility, especially when you're friends like Bink and Gollie, and leads forward beyond the horizon to many more days just as sweet. Is Tony Fucile the creative MVP of Bink & Gollie: Two for One? I haven't a doubt.
It's hard to know what Kate DiCamillo will be remembered best for years after her writing career. She has so many acclaimed works, she could be famous for any or all of them. But I believe Bink & Gollie will always have its fans, and rightfully so. They are well-written, well-illustrated stories that work for practically any age, and are sure to be responsible for introducing many to the pleasures of reading. If that isn't breeding ground for a classic series, what is?
Bink loves to win, but isn't a prodigy at every activity to which she puts her hand. That includes throwing a baseball, even when the incentive for a perfectly accurate throw is as tempting a reward as the world's largest donut, and we soon see, as Gollie does, that a few errant throws in tight quarters can cause quite a mess of things. But Bink isn't oblivious to the harm inflicted by her wayward tosses in pursuit of the fresh-baked prize, and she won't let the damage sit without making amends.
Gollie sees herself as a multitalented girl, perfectly capable of taking top honors in the fair's talent competition; so when she sees a poster announcing the contest, deciding to enter is a cinch. Skills that never seem to fail in a vacuum have a way of not presenting as well in front of an audience of hundreds, however, and Gollie's talent may have to choose another stage on which to shine. But Bink is there for Gollie, as always, to give her that stage when she needs it, as well provide an appreciative audience of one for her to put on the show that never was. If one couldn't see what Bink brought to the friendship before, it's clear now, and I'm positive there was never a doubt in Gollie's mind.
By the time the pair of friends make their way to the edge of the fairgrounds where Madame Prunely's fortune-telling tent is set up, we've observed enough to predict their future even without the aid of a clairvoyant. A soothsayer may command whatever room she's in when she claims to see what lies beyond the morrow, but Bink and Gollie don't need to know every secret kept behind the solid mask of the future. All they need to see is themselves, together, still friends as ever before, and that's enough to know the coming days are going to be fine. Who could need more than that?
I love Kate DiCamillo's writing, and always will. As I see it, though, the real star of Bink & Gollie: Two for One is illustrator Tony Fucile. His depictions of scenes at the fair show remarkable insight into how unusual sensory experiences meet one's perception, dizzying spaces and atmospheric action piling up or stretching out exquisitely to sear the experience in our memories. I love the mostly black-and-white drawing of Bink and Gollie's elaborate treehouse on the book's title page. That is a treehouse I would want, and could happily spend hours in each day, as long it was with a friend. I like the illustration of the juggler cascading five pickles in the talent contest; pickles would be an unpredictable prop to juggle, hard to figure how they'd land in one's hand with each catch, but the pattern shown is legitimate. That actually is how five objects look when juggled. The sweeping artwork showing the hundreds of spectators at the competition is good, too, evoking some of the feeling of stepping on stage before an audience waiting in quiet anticipation of what you're going to do to entertain them. I also like that in every mostly black-and-white drawing in the book, Bink and Gollie are still in color, so it's easy to spot them even in the broadest panoramas, such as the impressive wide-angle view of the grandstand and livestock barn on pages forty-six and forty-seven. There are some excellent interior looks at the barn, as well, the softness of the black-and-white shading a nice contrast to the two girls in color. But I think the book's two most beautiful illustrations are from the last chapter: first, the expanse of the fair's quiet area where Madame Prunely's tent is located, night setting in beneath the wondrous blanket of the sky, studded by twinkling stars to help guide those continuing to walk the fairgrounds; second, the breathtaking panorama of the entire fair beneath the gentle white glow of moonlight, the night sky's inky blackness lit up in short, colorful bursts by a fireworks show on the side farthest from Madame Prunely's tent. Here we see everything the fair offers its attendees, and it's a marvelous variety: sideshow games and carousels, food stands and a ferris wheel, roller coasters and long uninterrupted walkways where one can wander the grounds alone or with a friend and drink in the happy sights that make the fair an unforgettable place to visit. The night ahead sparkles with possibility, especially when you're friends like Bink and Gollie, and leads forward beyond the horizon to many more days just as sweet. Is Tony Fucile the creative MVP of Bink & Gollie: Two for One? I haven't a doubt.
It's hard to know what Kate DiCamillo will be remembered best for years after her writing career. She has so many acclaimed works, she could be famous for any or all of them. But I believe Bink & Gollie will always have its fans, and rightfully so. They are well-written, well-illustrated stories that work for practically any age, and are sure to be responsible for introducing many to the pleasures of reading. If that isn't breeding ground for a classic series, what is?
April 7, 2018
Bink and Gollie spend the day at the state fair. Bink gets a "I lost at Whack A Duck" button, and Gollie is given a "I Participated in the Amateur Talent Sh0w" ribbon, but when they get the two for one special at Madame Prunely's Secrets of the Past, Pleasures of the Present, Utterances of the Future, Destinty tent they leave with the best news that two forever friends could hear.
January 21, 2019
Bink & Gollie is such a cute series. This one made me genuinely laugh a couple times. And the artist has a real way with drawing expressions and conveying movement/poses.
February 26, 2022
"I like that they stand up for each other." -Cadee, age 9
February 26, 2018
Great series for early readers. Excellent and unique vocabulary. Good stories about friendship. Lighthearted and fun.
February 10, 2019
I loved the first one, and the second is even better! Laugh out loud funny, and heartwarming.
July 27, 2013
For a book of few words,
Bink & Gollie
inspired a lofty wordcount from me. Read my review of Book 1 by clicking here; it sums up much of how I feel about the characters, art, and plots of the series as a whole.
Particular to the stories contained in Two for One though...
WHACK A DUCK is slapstick fun. Bink tries her luck at a carnival game, hurling baseballs at rows of rubber duckies in hopes of winning a giant doughnut. While there’s a lot of force behind Bink’s throw (I love the wordless two-page spread of her winding up), her aim need works, and she repeatedly beans an increasingly battered carnie right in the nose until, by the end, he’s bruised and bandaged, calling out “duck a whack, step right up”. Before anybody gets a twist in their Mom jeans though, there’s a sweet (literally, doughnuts are involved) ending.
Tony Fucile really shines here. The fair ground, with all of its tents, signs, and crowds is full of wonderful details to pour over, and DiCamillo/McGhee make Gollie a straight but humorous voice of reason (“I fear this can only end in tragedy,” said Gollie). I especially love Page 1 (always a good sign): A looming sign featuring an enormous duck and an equally large doughnut reads “WHACK A DUCK! Win the world’s largest donut!” while Bink and Gollie look on. I’m going to whack a duck,” said Bink.
It’s so simple and straightforward, it just makes me laugh. (Pst: see what I mean by previewing this story using Amazon’s “Look Inside” feature here)
YOU’RE SPECIAL AREN’T YOU finds Gollie excited yet unprepared to enter the fair’s talent show (and Bink wearing a large pink “I LOST AT WHACK A DUCK” button, lol). What follows is a pretty straightforward tale of stage fright, but the pages that illustrate the uncomfortable moment are excellent, including two full pages of Bink awkwardly standing on stage, arms glued to her sides sides, looking so tiny on that big stage in front of that large crowd. You can almost hear the crickets as Fucile “pans out” to show even more of the audience, Gollie still statue still and silent. In six panels, we watch Gollie do little more than turn a shade of read before swiftly exiting the stage. In the end though, she’s finds a rapt audience (and regains her confidence) in front of her ol’ pal Bink. Aww.
WITHOUT QUESTION features a mesmerizing bouquet of chipmunk balloons, which should, I think, be enough. For those who want more though, the girls visit wrinkly and wise fortune teller Madame Prunely who summarizes the day’s failings, but predicts a future full of friendship. Again: aww!
Another fantastic collection of stories for fans of Frog & Toad, George & Martha, Winnie the Pooh, Ivy & Bean, and every other wonderful collection of illustrated friendship tales that deserves a permanent spot on your bookshelf. Is it a picture book, early reader, or graphic novel? I have no idea. It’s just good.
Particular to the stories contained in Two for One though...
WHACK A DUCK is slapstick fun. Bink tries her luck at a carnival game, hurling baseballs at rows of rubber duckies in hopes of winning a giant doughnut. While there’s a lot of force behind Bink’s throw (I love the wordless two-page spread of her winding up), her aim need works, and she repeatedly beans an increasingly battered carnie right in the nose until, by the end, he’s bruised and bandaged, calling out “duck a whack, step right up”. Before anybody gets a twist in their Mom jeans though, there’s a sweet (literally, doughnuts are involved) ending.
Tony Fucile really shines here. The fair ground, with all of its tents, signs, and crowds is full of wonderful details to pour over, and DiCamillo/McGhee make Gollie a straight but humorous voice of reason (“I fear this can only end in tragedy,” said Gollie). I especially love Page 1 (always a good sign): A looming sign featuring an enormous duck and an equally large doughnut reads “WHACK A DUCK! Win the world’s largest donut!” while Bink and Gollie look on. I’m going to whack a duck,” said Bink.
It’s so simple and straightforward, it just makes me laugh. (Pst: see what I mean by previewing this story using Amazon’s “Look Inside” feature here)
YOU’RE SPECIAL AREN’T YOU finds Gollie excited yet unprepared to enter the fair’s talent show (and Bink wearing a large pink “I LOST AT WHACK A DUCK” button, lol). What follows is a pretty straightforward tale of stage fright, but the pages that illustrate the uncomfortable moment are excellent, including two full pages of Bink awkwardly standing on stage, arms glued to her sides sides, looking so tiny on that big stage in front of that large crowd. You can almost hear the crickets as Fucile “pans out” to show even more of the audience, Gollie still statue still and silent. In six panels, we watch Gollie do little more than turn a shade of read before swiftly exiting the stage. In the end though, she’s finds a rapt audience (and regains her confidence) in front of her ol’ pal Bink. Aww.
WITHOUT QUESTION features a mesmerizing bouquet of chipmunk balloons, which should, I think, be enough. For those who want more though, the girls visit wrinkly and wise fortune teller Madame Prunely who summarizes the day’s failings, but predicts a future full of friendship. Again: aww!
Another fantastic collection of stories for fans of Frog & Toad, George & Martha, Winnie the Pooh, Ivy & Bean, and every other wonderful collection of illustrated friendship tales that deserves a permanent spot on your bookshelf. Is it a picture book, early reader, or graphic novel? I have no idea. It’s just good.
December 19, 2016
Bink and Gollie are back in their second set of adventures, all of which take place at the state fair. The first story, "Whack a Duck," introduces the girls to the perils of carnival games when Bink decides she absolutely must win a large donut in exchange for whacking a duck. In the second story, "You're Special, Aren't You?" Gollie enters a talent show without actually preparing a talent. Finally, in "Without Question" Bink and Gollie have their fortunes told by Madame Prunely, who has messages about their past and future.
This is another strong, funny, and heartwarming collection of vignettes, which portrays not just the ups and downs of life, but the support and constancy of true friendship. As in the first Bink and Gollie story, Tony Fucile truly captures each girl's personality with the wonderful way he draws facial expressions and body movements. I was particularly struck by the way I could almost hear each girl's manner of speech just from looking at the illustrations. Alison McGhee and Kate DiCamillo also keep the story fresh with lots of humor, which comes across most often in the characters' dialogue, not just with each other, but with supporting characters as well. Especially memorable is the man who runs the Whack a Duck booth; he takes a baseball to the face when Bink throws just a bit too hard.
At first glance, the writing in this book seems very sophisticated, which made me question whether it would truly work for early readers. When I went back to analyze the text more closely, though, I realized that the vocabulary of the story, with few exceptions, is actually very basic. Many words such as "duck," "Whack," "stage", "talent," and "friend" are introduced and then repeated over and over again, reinforcing their meaning. Sentence structure, particularly where there is dialogue, is very simple, and the speaker is always identified. The story itself is so entertaining that it's easy to miss its simplicity, but the authors have done a really thorough job of making sure their intended audience will truly be able to read their book. I imagine a couple of words - "scepter" and "tragedy", for example - might pose a challenge for newer readers, but I don't think it's a challenge that couldn't be met by a child accustomed to reading Level 2 and Level 3 easy readers. I also love the inclusion of signs and other printed material in the illustrations themselves. What a great way to foster print awareness, which is one of the important early literacy skills kids need to develop before learning to read.
Sequels sometimes turn out to be mistakes, and they can create a formula out of what was previously fresh, exciting material. Bink and Gollie: Two for One, is decidedly not one of those mistakes. Every bit as lovely and satisfying as the first, this second book about these irresistible best friends explores further their connection, and also gives kids a look into the world of state fairs, which for some kids will be a foreign concept.
In addition to the original Bink and Gollie, also pair Bink and Gollie: Two for One with Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad series, The Friends for Keeps chapter book series by Julie Bowe, and Mo Willems's Elephant and Piggie books.
This is another strong, funny, and heartwarming collection of vignettes, which portrays not just the ups and downs of life, but the support and constancy of true friendship. As in the first Bink and Gollie story, Tony Fucile truly captures each girl's personality with the wonderful way he draws facial expressions and body movements. I was particularly struck by the way I could almost hear each girl's manner of speech just from looking at the illustrations. Alison McGhee and Kate DiCamillo also keep the story fresh with lots of humor, which comes across most often in the characters' dialogue, not just with each other, but with supporting characters as well. Especially memorable is the man who runs the Whack a Duck booth; he takes a baseball to the face when Bink throws just a bit too hard.
At first glance, the writing in this book seems very sophisticated, which made me question whether it would truly work for early readers. When I went back to analyze the text more closely, though, I realized that the vocabulary of the story, with few exceptions, is actually very basic. Many words such as "duck," "Whack," "stage", "talent," and "friend" are introduced and then repeated over and over again, reinforcing their meaning. Sentence structure, particularly where there is dialogue, is very simple, and the speaker is always identified. The story itself is so entertaining that it's easy to miss its simplicity, but the authors have done a really thorough job of making sure their intended audience will truly be able to read their book. I imagine a couple of words - "scepter" and "tragedy", for example - might pose a challenge for newer readers, but I don't think it's a challenge that couldn't be met by a child accustomed to reading Level 2 and Level 3 easy readers. I also love the inclusion of signs and other printed material in the illustrations themselves. What a great way to foster print awareness, which is one of the important early literacy skills kids need to develop before learning to read.
Sequels sometimes turn out to be mistakes, and they can create a formula out of what was previously fresh, exciting material. Bink and Gollie: Two for One, is decidedly not one of those mistakes. Every bit as lovely and satisfying as the first, this second book about these irresistible best friends explores further their connection, and also gives kids a look into the world of state fairs, which for some kids will be a foreign concept.
In addition to the original Bink and Gollie, also pair Bink and Gollie: Two for One with Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad series, The Friends for Keeps chapter book series by Julie Bowe, and Mo Willems's Elephant and Piggie books.
February 17, 2013
I wasn't a huge fan of Bink & Gollie, the first book in this series. I just didn't get it, and the characters seemed so young, but unsupervised, in a weird Winnie-the-Pooh or, rather, an Ernie and Bert kind of way. (I normally say Bert and Ernie, but Bink is the Ernie for sure in this pairing.) So while I wasn't expecting to love this book, our appreciation for Kate DiCamillo work pushed me to check it out from our local library. I figured this one was worth a gander.
This story takes the two friends to the State Fair, with the games, souvenirs, food, rides, and shows. The story is broken up into three segments or shorter stories that are all linked together. Overall, it's an entertaining tale, but I still didn't like it. I mean, the Whack a Duck guy gets hit in the face three times. I suppose physical comedy is a sure way to get some laughs, but I didn't find it to be funny at all.
The illustrations are nicely drawn, and we liked that it appears to be a rather long book, but is actually rather short because of all of the pictures. And I love that the illustrations are used to tell the story in many places. The combination of humor and youthful desires is fun to read about, but it doesn't stop this book from being a head scratcher. After each tale, we all just kinda said, "huh."
I would recommend this book for older children, since many of the nuances of the story would be completely lost on younger children. And perhaps this series is supposed to evoke a bit of nostalgia, a sense of whimsy that can only be told by a couple of pals. Still, I'm torn between two stars and three on this one. I've gone back and forth several times, and while I like the five star system, this book makes me yearn for the two and a half star crutch.
I'm going to go ahead and give it a third star, simply because I loved the illustrations and the characters are likable. We might even read the next book, Bink & Gollie: Best Friends Forever when it is published later this year. Perhaps the third time will be a charm.
This story takes the two friends to the State Fair, with the games, souvenirs, food, rides, and shows. The story is broken up into three segments or shorter stories that are all linked together. Overall, it's an entertaining tale, but I still didn't like it. I mean, the Whack a Duck guy gets hit in the face three times. I suppose physical comedy is a sure way to get some laughs, but I didn't find it to be funny at all.
The illustrations are nicely drawn, and we liked that it appears to be a rather long book, but is actually rather short because of all of the pictures. And I love that the illustrations are used to tell the story in many places. The combination of humor and youthful desires is fun to read about, but it doesn't stop this book from being a head scratcher. After each tale, we all just kinda said, "huh."
I would recommend this book for older children, since many of the nuances of the story would be completely lost on younger children. And perhaps this series is supposed to evoke a bit of nostalgia, a sense of whimsy that can only be told by a couple of pals. Still, I'm torn between two stars and three on this one. I've gone back and forth several times, and while I like the five star system, this book makes me yearn for the two and a half star crutch.
I'm going to go ahead and give it a third star, simply because I loved the illustrations and the characters are likable. We might even read the next book, Bink & Gollie: Best Friends Forever when it is published later this year. Perhaps the third time will be a charm.
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