Best Best Friends

by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

Clare and Mary do everything together. After all, they're best best friends. But on Mary's birthday, she gets a party, a shiny crown, and lots of attention--and Clare gets jealous. The best best friends get into a big, big fight. Only after Clare comes up with a way to make peace do the girls realize that between true friends, love triumphs over jealousy every time (even when it comes to crowns and cupcakes).

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Storytime, School, Emotion

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2006

Reviews

[Lorellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is cute. I especially like the art. I just dislike stories about this sort of petty school drama. I was so put out by all this as kid.

[Natalia]

Margaret Chodos-Irvine in her book “Best Best Friends” tells a tale of conflict and resolution which is presented by wonderful vivid illustrations. The story is told by a narrator, however there is a dialogue build-in. It takes place in preschool where Clare and Mary (two main characters) do everything together. As best friends do Mary and Clare played together, walked outside together, held hands, and stood in line together. But on Mary’s birthday, Clare gets jealous as Mary gets pink cupcakes, a glittery crown and all the attention from everyone. Clare and Mary get into a fight screaming at each other “You are not my best friend!” When each girl plays with different kids in the classroom, Clare realizes that Mary is her best friends and she should not be jealous and draws her a picture of cake and writes both of their names on it. After Clare gives the picture to Mary they make up and they are again “best best friends.”
This is a really good book because the author is resolving a conflict that happens between children at a young age which then brings out a prefect resolution building up the kids friendship. The author is able to incorporate easy vocabulary and the body language for the little ones to understand the story better. The sunny and bright colors of the illustrations grab readers’ attention and make the story more interesting. Teacher should definitely have this book in their classroom, especially preschool to second grade because it is a great picture book to teach the children about friendship, disagreement, love and jealousy. Children at such young age argue with each other over toys or they simply get jealous when one gets more attention then the other. It is extremely important that they understand and learn that one isn’t better then the other just because the other one gets more attention. It is essential that kids know that they are all important and they need to build friendships and not make enemies. This moral/life lesson for the children is really well presented in this book. Loving one another and being true friends will always win over jealousy even if it is about cupcakes and crowns.

[Maria Andrade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clare and Mary are best friends, everyday they give each other big hugs and hold hands as they play together. However, Clare suddenly becomes jealous at all the attention and privileges Mary is receiving for her birthday. Clare becomes so enraged with anger, in which causes a tear between Mary and her. As school neared its end, Clare draws a picture for Mary as she wishes her a happy birthday, declaring their friendship in the end. This a wonderful book to share to younger kids at a beginners level. The artwork was very bright and cheerful in which captures the attention in young children who love to look at visualization, rather than long lengthy sentences. The book addressed jealousy, friendship, and arguments students can have with one another. This makes for an excellent group discussion on these three traits that are most exhibited in the classroom. Students will be able to make connections and learn more about the effects of jealousy and the importance of friendship.

[☼Bookish in Virginia☼]

This is a wonderful little book to share with youngsters. And while it's written at the 2nd Grade level, and could be used as a practice reader, it's perhaps a better choice for even younger children as it addresses friendship, jealously, some of the arguments friends can sometimes have, as well as saying I'm sorry, and what little ones can expect when they go to school.

The artwork is bright and cheerful. The drawings are evocative but simple. The story is about Clare and Mary who meet at school, declare their BFF-ness (Best-friend-forever for those of you who don't text ;), only to have an argument after Mary gets special birthday privileges.

It all comes out alright in the end and this would be a great classroom addition.

Pam T~

[Anayssa Pulido · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute story about two little girls who are "best best friends". They do everything together, they are in the same classroom, and always play with each other. Until one day, it is one of the girls' birthday and she begins to get a lot of attention and her and her best friend say they are mad at each other. They have to figure out a way to fix things before they go home from school. It is a very sweet story that has a great moral on the importance of friendship and how important it is to be able to apologize and forgive. The illustrations were not too detailed but there was great vibrant colors that were used. I personally loved this book and would use it in my classroom to help teach students about friendship.

[Ruhama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary and Clare (preschoolers) LOVE each other and give each other big hugs every day. Until the day it's Mary's birthday, and Clare gets jealous. Then the two have a fight and declare dislike for one another. Fortunately, their tempers (and memories) are short, and are best, best friends by the end of the book. Chodos-Irvine has captured preschool friendships to a T, and Clare and Mary are perfect examples of how girls go through friendship. The illustrations are bright and colorful and have plenty of activity. Overall, this is a fabulous book!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit simplistic for me, but my 3 year old liked it, and I could see how reading about best friends who get mad at each other and play with other people instead and then make up later could be a captivating read for someone her age. Kids are negotiating exactly this experience every day at this age. Having an interracial friendship would have made it 5 stars for me, but I did notice diversity among the other kids, and even the two girls broke with stereotype and sometimes wore dresses and sometimes wore pants.

[Codie Gates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clare and Mary do EVERYTHING together. They sit together, eat snack together, and play together. That is, until Mary's birthday. Clare gets jealous of the attention Mary is getting and doesn't want to be her friend anymore. They get into a huge argument and say they aren't friends anymore. Soon they reconcile and are best best best friends again.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to this book while teaching 2 and 3 year olds. It is a great picture book because of its beautiful colorful pictures and because its story truly represents the experience of young children.

[Maura]

I would use this book for first and second graders. The message being sent is even though you get in a fight with your friend it is important to talk your feelings out. I would use this book in my classroom.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hit with my three year old who is just learning how to form friendships.

[Bridgette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Best Friends is a story about Mary and Clare, two preschool girls. They are best friends who are inseparable. They sit together and play together. Then it is Mary's birthday and she gets special attention. She sits by the teacher during circle time instead of Clare. She goes to the front of the line while Clare waits in the back. Clare gets jealous and she gets into a fight with Mary. They decide that they are not friends any more. As the book progresses the girls must decide if they can overcome their fight and become best friends again.

This book is a very colorful one. The students in the class wear various colors and patterns. The pictures are simple. The illustrations are not extremely detailed, therefore they are not considered realism. The text in the book is place in different spots depending on the type of picture displayed. When they are upset exclamation points are used to show their feelings. Some of the story can be told just by looking at the pictures. The text supports the images that can be easily identified and adds context to those that can't. The story teaches a good lesson to children. Often times, children fight and utter the phrase "you are not my friend." This book shows this and makes it relatable for children. It teaches them how they can move forward after having a fight with their friend.

[Selma Ruiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Best Friends by Margaret Chodos-Irvine is a heartwarming and delightful children's book that celebrates the joys of friendship in a charming and unique way. The story follows two best friends, Clare and Mary, who navigate the ups and downs of their relationship with humor and love.

What sets this book apart is Margaret Chodos-Irvine's vibrant and playful illustrations that perfectly capture the spirit of the story. The use of bold colors and expressive characters brings the narrative to life, making it engaging for young readers.

[Jessie Polson · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is super sweet and very good for children who are going through troubles with friendship. this book is about mary and clare who are best friends, however when it is mary’s birthday, clare gets jealous that she is getting special treatment… they argue and tell each other they’re not being friends anymore. however, they forgive each other when clare draws marry a picture and they become best friends again!

[Sydney Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Best Friends is a great book for student's to understand and see how important relationships and friendships can be to life. Clare and Mary are best best friends. When Mary's birthday comes, she gets a party and lots of things and Clare gets jealous. They get into a big fight and begin to not speak to each other, until they realize just how much they need each other and love each other. I would recommend this book to any child who wanted to learn about relationships or understand how important friendships really are.

[Megan Clavenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute story about two friends fighting and making up after. I think it could be good to have in the classroom for younger students or maybe read aloud to young ones who have been bickering with their friends.

[Kelsie Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a cute book about how even when you're best friends with someone sometimes you fight. It took us through the story of two best friends; Clare and Mary, on Mary's birthdays and how Clare got jealous and they got into a fight. In the end they made up and were still best friends.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about best, best friends, Mary and Clare. These little girls do everything together. Then jealousy sets in and tests the friendship. Great message.

[Christine Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friendship Storytime. jealousy gets in the way of this friendship, but the girls work it out in the end.

[Paige Henne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about two best friends who get in a fight. Of course in the end they become friends again and they make up. This book would be great for kindergarten and social emotional lessons.

[Maddie Van Lith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was cute and also had a good message to it. This book would be good for kids to read, especially at a young age when the concept of friendships and fighting is still new to them.

[Bonnie Ferrante · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect book for preschool and kindergarten children. Clare and Mary are best friends. They do everything together and love each other’s company. But, on Mary’s birthday she gets to be first in line, wear a golden birthday crown, and have a special cupcake. In a jealous moment, Clare is unkind to Mary and a fight ensues. The girls go their separate ways. After a while, Clare draws a birthday card for Mary and their friendship is repaired. When their parents come to take them home, the girls wave to each other and call, “See you tomorrow!”

The storyline is simple and relevant to children who attend day care or kindergarten and are venturing into a social world beyond their family. Each page has only a few words and the pictures are easy to understand.

Every child has squabbles with her best friend. This book will enable parents to discuss jealousy and hurtful remarks with their young child. It is important for children to understand that fights don’t have to be forever and there are ways you can repair a relationship.

The pictures are bright and simple collages with detailed patterns stamped on items of clothing with paint. With the simplest of lines and shapes, Chodos-Irvine portrays the girls’ happiness, anger, resentment, and acceptance.

It is easy to see why this charming little book is a Caldecott Honor Winner. Highly recommended.

[McKenna Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best Best Friends is a story about two best friends Clare and Mary. Clare and Mary do everything together, but one day they get into a fight where they claim they are no longer best friends. They end up taking a break from each other in order to cool off and prove that they are no longer friends. In the end of the story though the girls apologize and quickly resume their friendship. This a great beginners level book, especially one that gives the message of conflict resolution. It would be a great book to incorporate when doing a lesson on emotions or fighting as it shows how things can be resolved. This book is also extremely colorful which will help draw in readers and keep their attention on the bright large pictures that cover the page. This story could be used with students of different ages and could be used in both pre-school and elementary school classrooms.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical preschool outbursts and beautiful illustrations are the highlights of this fun book. The subject matter of friendship is relevant to most children in preschool. The illustrations convey the school setting using warm colors. Realistic facial expressions deftly convey the emotions of the protagonists.

This book will appeal to children who attend preschool, though girls may find it more appealing than boys. Children who are struggling with friendship issues may also enjoy this book.

[Heather Brownlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very sweet story about two little girls who are best friends. On Mary's birthday she gets special attention in the classroom and Clare becomes jealous. The girls end up fighting. This is a great story for the younger crowd about jealousy and friendship.

[Alyssa Carosella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is a good story to read to children because it shows that best friends can never be given up on. It also has good illustrations to where some of the pictures for example the bears pop out at you and has good color to the pictures.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charlotte Zolotow Highly Commended (2007)

The illustrations in this book are very like Ella Sarah gets dressed, but somehow the story just didn't have the same charm for me. Could be a good story for 3-5s on friendship, but I don't know if I'd choose to use it myself.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

When it is Mary's birthday the two best friends get in a fight. By the end of the day Clare and Mary are back to being best friends.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I like the silly, fun books a lot better than these kinds of books. But this would be good for pre-schoolers, probably especially pre-school girls.

[Erica Leach · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a nice story to read about friendship, but the pictures were not well done to me. Also I didn't like how they argued but at least in the story they made up. It shows a lesson of forgiveness.