Friends

by Barbara M. Joosse, Tomaso Milian (Illustrator)

Henry and Ruby.
Ruby and Henry.
Best friends.
(Most of the time.)
They give the best gifts and know the best games and are the best at keeping secrets.
(Most of the time.)
But even when Henry and Ruby don't get along, they know one nothing is the same without your best friend.
Henry and Ruby.
Ruby and Henry.
They belong together.
All of the time.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Fiction, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 21, 2010

About the author

[Author also goes by the name Barbara Joosse.]

Barbara M. Joosse has written many books for children. Among them are Mama, Do You Love Me?, illustrated by Barbara Lavallee; and I Love You the Purplest, illustrated by Mary Whyte. She says, "When I was a little girl, I wished for two things — a best friend, and something so ferocious it would scare away the monsters under my bed. And so I have written Lovabye Dragon. I think maybe it’s for little me." Barbara Josse lives in Wisconsin.

Reviews

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara M. Joosse could have written this book in response to my scream, sent out into the Universe, over how picture book writers bandy about the term "best friend." Are they trying to devalue this important concept completely?

I love how this book tells the truth -- the sweet truth and the very human truth -- about what it really means to be a best friend.

HUMOR IS PART OF THE WISDOM HERE

For example, when Ruby and Henry have swimming lessons, he succeeds at the dead man's float. Bur Ruby "sinks like a stone."

So I splashed Henry's towl
accidentally on purpose.

"Cut it out," he sputtered.

"Serves you right," I muttered. "Who wants to be friends with a show-off?"

HAPPY TO REPORT, FIVE STARS

Illustrations are on a par with the text: Refreshing, true, unaffected, so effective.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 2 out of 5]

The narrative and perspective shifts are weird and choppy, and the pictures are too busy. There's also not much of a story, since the book just has the characters share their perspectives on multiple incidents in their friendship. It doesn't tie together well, and since there are tons of better picture books about friendship, I don't see any use for this.

[Kristi Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was cute. I liked the pictures. I think it could of showed how to make friends.

[Nielson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ruby and Henry are best friends and do everything together. But when secrets get spilled, will their preschool relationship be able to pull through?
This had potential to be a really cute book, but it failed on all accounts. The writing was confusing and choppy. The dialogue of each character was separated by only a colon making it a hard book to read aloud. The illustrations were confusing as well because at some points the kids looked like giants and it was too busy.

[Tricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the idea about the fickle nature of preschool friendship but this story was a bit confusing as the two characters voices were prefaced with their names before their "lines". I found that to be somewhat awkward and would never rely on this title to flow smoothly in a group setting (but that is just me).

[Nancy Jo Lambert · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a little hard to read aloud. When the author would have the characters name followed by a colon, it made it seem chppy and disjointed. Plus, my son was confused by the illustrations where the characters were significantly larger on some pages. He kept wanting to know if they were giants.

I like the concept and the message, but the execution for this one just wasn't quite there.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this.
Kids will get this.
Sometimes friends argue--sometimes friends are jealous of each other--sometimes friends hurt each other. But mostly, we know we would be heartbroken without our best friend!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lively, vibrant story about the nature of friendship. Good book to discuss with a class or small group.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked the theme, but the markers that show when the dialogue changes could have been better (another font maybe)

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for my son and his best friend!

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Henry and Ruby don't always get along, but they are always best friends. Story is hard to follow sometimes. Colorful artwork.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Narrative style is odd. Not the best for a children's book. Should think more about the audience.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to help create dialogue about friendships with young kids.