Δυο φίλοι, μα τι φίλοι!

by Emily Gravett, Μάρω Ταυρή (Translator)

Ο Ρος είναι σκίουρος.
Ο Ρέος είναι αρουραίος.
Όλοι πιστεύουν ότι αυτοί οι δυο δεν πρέπει να είναι φίλοι.
Όμως... γιατί όχι;

Μια ξεκαρδιστική αλλά και τρυφερή ιστορία από μια βραβευμένη δημιουργό.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Animals, Childrens, Humor, Storytime, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Emily Gravett is twice winner of the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal and the Nestlé Children's Book Prize Bronze Award for WOLVES and LITTLE MOUSE'S BIG BOOK OF FEARS. An author/illustrator of unique talent and tremendous skill, she has a host of critically acclaimed books to her name, including BLUE CHAMELEON, WOLF WON'T BITE! and AGAIN! Emily lives in Brighton with her partner and their daughter.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Cyril met Pat he was pleased to know he wasn’t the only squirrel in Lake Park – now he wouldn’t be lonely with Pat by his side. They were great friends and did everything together. But everyone kept at Cyril, telling him he couldn’t be friends with Pat, because... When Pat was finally driven away, Cyril was lonely once again. All the fun was gone from his life. Would Cyril and Pat overcome the prejudices of others and pick up their friendship once again?

Cyril and Pat is filled with richly coloured pages, and the words of two friends who had fun together without noticing they were different to one another. Why should it matter? Award winning Emily Gravett has written another delightful children’s book which will be popular with both young readers and their parents. Recommended.

With thanks to Pan Macmillan AU for my copy to read and review.

[Melissa (Mel’s Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute book with absolutely stunning illustrations! What a talented lady Emily Gravett is!

Poor Cyril the squirrel, leading a lonely existence until he finds another 'squirrel', Pat. Cyril and Pat have lots of adventures together, but for some reason Cyril keeps getting told that he and Pat can't be friends. For Pat is not exactly the 'squirrel' that Cyril thinks he is.

Cyril and Pat is a beautiful book with a lovely message about friendship. The story is a lot of fun to read to the kids and they love the colourful and beautiful illustrations. It is stunning in hard cover!

What did my kids think of Cyril and Pat?
It is a bit advanced for my 1 year old daughter, Felicity. She enjoys the pictures but can't sit still for more than 20 seconds. But it won't be long before she can appreciate it more! My son Oliver on the other hand is 4 years old, and he loves it! Although bless his heart, he still can't quite understand why they were telling Cyril that he and Pat couldn't be friends.

Would I recommend Cyril and Pat?
Absolutely! It has a really good message behind it, it's fun, has a lovely heart, and the illustrations can be appreciated by anyone young or young at heart! It would be a great gift for a little one!

Many thanks to Pan Macmillan for a copy of Cyril and Pat for my children and I to review and enjoy!

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a case of mistaken identity when a park squirrel befriends a city rat. It's pretty cute, until it gets a bit dark and scary near the end. The rat brings an ick factor that I can't quite get past. Cyril is a better squirrel than I am a man, I guess.

[Ugnė Lukošienė · Rating 5 out of 5]

Labai labai graži pasaka apie tikrą, nenugalimą draugystę!! Ir juk visai nesvarbu jog skiriasi tos uodegos... 😁😁😁

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when a squirrel meets a rat in a park and decide to become best friends? A fun and visual read (picture book) about the power of friendships and acceptance. Cute adventures too!

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when a squirrel and a rat meet? Well, tons of adventures!

I just couldn't resist this cute looking book when I spotted it at one of my libraries. Plus Emily Gravett, such a fabulous illustrator, I just have to read her books. <3

This one is about a squirrel who meets a new friend... who is a rat. But does that bother Cyril? No. Not at all, if anything he thinks that Pat is squirrel. Yup. Cyril definitely needs some glasses as anyone can see that Pat is a rat. It is a running theme throughout the book that someone tries to tell Cyril about Pat, but Cyril always has a counter argument before they can finish their sentence. Until the end that is!

I had a laugh at how cute and fun Cyril and Pat were together, they have so many fun and delightful adventures together and get in the wildest of troubles.

The ending, oh no, I knew it was coming, but still I was sad that it happened. Thankfully, there is something amazing coming and I was quickly going from sad to delightfully happy. What a sweet ending!

The art? Well that one was just absolutely fabulous, as expected from Emily Gravett. Colourful, cute designs, beautiful backgrounds.

All in all, I would recommend this one, a fun tale about friendship, it will bring a smile on your face.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Emily Gravett catalogue. This sweet, rhyming tale tells the story of two friends who are blind to each other's outward differences and are just happy with each other's company. When Cyril (the squirrel) pays heed to the comments of those around him and recognises how Pat is 'different' his actions cost him and he finds himself lonely. Never fear though, in typical Gravett style, our character reflects and sees the error of his ways.
I particularly loved the map of the park and chase and the subtle nod to Tidy, also by Gravett. There is also an intrinsic commentary on looking after our local landscapes which I thought could open up some rich discussion.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cyril is a squirrel ,and the only one who lives in Lake Park. One day he meets Pat who happens to be a rat, but that didn't stop them from becoming best friends. Everyone tried to convince Cyril that he shouldn't be friends with a dirty, thieving rat. When Cyril finds himself in trouble, it is Pat who comes to his rescue.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and super-cute little story about two unique friends living in a city park. CYRIL AND PAT has the big heart and social message of a Pixar movie.

Also: The owner of "Slim," the little dog who keeps slipping his leash to dash through the city chasing rodents, needs to invest in a harness or some other way to maintain control of his dog.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A squirrel and a rat become unlikely friends and almost give up their friendship because others keep telling them they are so different that they can't be friends. This was a fun, beautiful story about the power of true friendship and celebrating all the wonderful, diverse things that makeup who you are!

[Jocelyn Hee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book about friendship, companionship, love and adventure and not allowing differences to matter. Didn't help my phobia of rats though and the scruffy look of Pat still reminded me of a real rat! LOL! It was also my first introduction to an Emily Gravett PB. I shall be looking out for more.

[PJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay, another rat-positive book!!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her art is always one of my favorite things! Gravett continues to amuse and take the unexpected path with her subjects.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

friendship, rats, rhyming

[Sassenach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ce n'est pas forcément l'album que je préfère de cette auteure que j'aime énormément mais c'est quand même une chouette lecture, pleine de couleurs, avec des dessins toujours aussi sympathiques et une ode à la différence qui peut rapprocher, quoi qu'on en dise !

[Belinda Vlasbaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 sterren - Nederlandse hardcover

Boekverslag komt later van Maria die een kleutergroep draait op het AZC. Daar hebben we een dependance van de huisbibliotheek.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another reviewer bemoans the rhyme breaks. She's missing the point entirely, though I don't know how, as it's pretty obvious. This is indeed Gravett, an auto-read for me for good reason. And Gravett knows that a rhyming book is far too easily felt as overly sentimental, not to mention forced. Therefore, this book only pretends to be a rhyming book.

And yes it's funny, and the kids will get it right away, and the message is important, and it's very cool all around and I highly recommend it.

And now I have to go back and read/reread any Gravett I don't have memorized....

[La Gran Biblioteca de David · Rating 5 out of 5]

La historia está llena de humor y hace que tanto el lector como el oyente se ría. Además en ciertas ocasiones las frases están escritas con rimas, lo que le da una cierta musicalidad a la obra.

Es una historia preciosa y muy emotiva que transmite un mensaje muy bueno, tanto para los niños como para los adultos. Cyril y Renata son amigos pero son de razas muy distintas: una ardilla y una rata. Pese a esta diferencia siguen siendo amigos y se quieren el uno al otro. Esta es una perfecta historia que habla de la tolerancia y aceptación de la diversidad. Pesemos el ejemplo a los humanos.

En nuestro mundo hay razas o colores de piel que son mejor "vistos" con respecto a otros. Es decir, algunos humanos podríamos considerarlos como ardillas, mientras que otros como ratas. Pese a esta "diferencia" es posible una amistad entre distintas razas, colores, clases sociales, nacionalidades, edades, géneros, etc. Tenemos que quitarnos de los prejuicios y mirar únicamente cómo es esa persona por dentro y no por fuera.

En cuanto a las ilustraciones, me han encantado, transmiten todo el dinamismo del texto. Es muy colorido y son dibujos muy visuales, llenos de animales y flores.

CONCLUSIÓN: En definitiva, este libro es muy bueno para los niños porque da mensajes a favor de la diversidad cultural y contra la xenofobia. Muestra a los niños que lo importante no es el aspecto físico, el aspecto externo, sino el interior, la forma de ser de la otra persona. También enseña que todos podemos ser amigos y que todos somos iguales. Este libro ayuda a que los niños no se críen con los prejuicios de los mayores y ni discriminen a los otros.

Más en mi blog La Gran Biblioteca de David (https://lagranbibliotecadedavid.blogs...)

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's easy to be friends with people that are the same as us, but we miss out on so many wonderful opportunites to have special relationships when we limit ourselves. Cyril is a lonely squirrel in the Lake Park, until he meets Pat. Cyril and Pat have such terrific, fun times together and become such great friends, Cyril doesn't even realize that Pat is different from him. But all of the other animals in the park are quick to remind Cyril that Pat is different and, therefore, an unsuitable friend for Cyril. In the end, Cyril realizes that despite what others say, Pat is a perfect friend for him. This book could be a good way to start a discussion about how we choose friends and how differences and diversity can be a good thing. However, I would note, that grown-ups may want to point out that sometimes we should listen to what people that care about us say about our friends. Sometimes parents and grown-ups have a child's best interests in mind and want to steer the child away from friends who make poor choices that could lead to trouble. In this book, Pat (the rat) steals bread away from the ducks and geese in the lake and also scares the sleeping pigeons. One might argue that the other animals in the story were trying to warn Cyril away from a friend that was a bad influence on him and might lead him into trouble. Either way, this book could lead to some important conversations.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable tale about a squirrel who makes a new friend, and the value of friendship no matter whom is involved. When Cyril, the lone squirrel in Lake Park meets Pat, he mistakenly identifies him as another squirrel, and indeed in Gravett's style, both of the creatures have the same scrawny build, big pink noses, and grey and white fur. It's not long before the two are racing around, doing activities together, and outwitting Slim, the nasty dog. Other park animals can't help but notice the pair though, and feel it necessary to point out that Pat is actually a rat, but before they can tell Cyril, Gravett suspends readers. Kids will immediately want to say "rat" each time, because of the rhyme and illustrations, but instead, she has Cyril chime in on the page turns with exclamations of his friend's wonderful qualities. It's an excellent way to teach kids to think of others beyond the surface impression. Eventually Cyril does learn that they are different species, and it does initially cause some confusion because "squirrels can't be friends with rats!", but he quickly realizes how superficial it is, and the two are re-united.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

We adore award winning writer and illustrator Emily Gravett’s books with her precise but magical illustrations. Cyril (the squirrel) is lonely and delighted when he befriends Pat (the rat) and he believes he isn’t the only squirrel in Lake Park. The two friends have a wonderful time together and become firm friends. It is only when others tell Cyril that Pat is indeed a rat and that he can’t be friends with him that he drives Pat away. What is exceptional about this picture book is the gentle non-preachy way that Emily explores the concept that children (and Cyril) are naturally open and accepting of others’ differences and that prejudice and bigotry are learnt behaviours. Luckily, Cyril realises that Pat is his true friend. Highly recommended as a discussion point with children about difference, inclusion and friendships.

Downloadable activities: https://www.emilygravett.com/books/cy...

[Barbara Band · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the only squirrel living in Lake Park, Cyril is rather lonely. That is until he meets Pat, a large grey rat that he mistakes for another squirrel. Everyone says they can't be friends but that doesn't matter because the two have great fun together. As well as outwitting Slim the dog whilst leading him on a merry chase all around the park

However, one day Cyril discovers the truth about Pat and, believing what everyone else says, stops being friends with Pat so finds himself all alone again. But fear not, friendship will out … especially when Cyril finds himself facing Slim alone ...

Lovely story about differences not being important, especially when you're friends. Sublime illustrations full of wonderful humorous details. A book that will delight readers young and old!

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyril lives in Lake Park, and he's very lonely. One day he meets a creature of similar size, shape and colour and is thrilled to have found a friend - Pat. Cyril and Pat have lots of adventures and fun together although other creatures in the park seem to want to tell Cyril something important and say they can't be friends. And eventually Cyril finds out why - Pat is a rat! (no surprises here for the reader - we knew!). Friendship is shattered until - a friend in need is a friend in deed.
Text includes a map of the park and the very routes the Cyril and Pat take when being chased.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for fans of The Nut Job (2014)! It's a really approachable look at friendship and inclusion. Miss 4 loved the rhythm and yelling out 'Rat!'; she also approves of the map.

Miss 4 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.

[Christina Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love everything Emily Gravett has written and illustrated and this is no exception. Cyril the Squirrel is feeling lonely, until he meets Pat, who looks just like him (but without a bushy tail!) Cyril is so happy to have a friend that he doesn't listen when others try to tell him that Pat is a rat and rats and squirrels can't be friends. A sweet story about friendship, jam-packed with Gravett's trademark detailed and expressive illustrations.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyril is a lonely squirrel. When he meets Pat, the two become fast friends. They get into all kinds of fun mischief together. When he is told that Pat is a rat and that squirrels can't be friends with rats, he goes back to being lonely. It turns out that life without Pat, is not only boring, it's also dangerous.
I like that his book addresses stereotyping and racism in a non threatening way. The deliberate almost rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations entertain groups of all ages.

[Olivia S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cyril the Squirrel is friends with Pat the....also squirrel? When Cyril finds out that Pat is actually a rat, he thinks they can't be friends anymore. Not to worry though, this book has a happy ending. I think kids would love the build up to Cyril finding out Pat's true identity. Cute pictures, good rhyme, funny story, and it redeems rats, which I am all about! Lovely, will use for storytimes. 3+

[Mary Stergioti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok παιδικό βιβλίο αλλά θα μπορούσε το κείμενο να ανταποκρίνεται περισσότερο στην εικονογράφηση ή το αντίθετο. Ένιωθα ότι το διαβάζω στον μικρό μου αλλά έπρεπε ταυτόχρονα να του εξηγώ και τι γίνεται σε κάθε σελίδα στην εικονογράφηση.
Κατά τα άλλα μου άρεσε και η ποιότητα της εικονογράφησης αλλά και το μήνυμα που περνά το βιβλίο για τη φιλία.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

My teachers are always asking for a new friendship story each September. This one fits the bill. Large sized book is perfect for reading aloud, but kids will love to check it out themselves in pairs or alone to pour over the detailed illustrations. Just enough suspense to keep kids interested and thankfully the rhyme is fun and the friendship lesson not saccharine or preachy.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fun! Cyril, the only squirrel in the park, one day meets Pat, another gray...erm "squirrel". They become fast friends, even though all the other animals try to warn him that Pat is too different and that they shouldn't be friends. Luckily, Cyril isn't down with that. A wonderful story of friendship not being affected by our differences.