One Cool Friend

Talk about a timely post.  One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo and illustrated by David Small was released today.  I picked up an ARC of the picture book while at NCTE in Chicago.

This book is a fun story to read.  I am pretty sure it is a lesson for parents about why it is important to listen.  In this story Elliot's father takes him to the aquarium for family fun day.  Upon arrival at the aquarium Elliot's father sits down to read his magazine and sends Elliot off to "have some fun" by himself.

Elliot doesn't go to the exhibits everyone else loves, instead he visits the penguins and finds them delightful.  He asks his father if he can have a penguin.  His father looks at sign advertising "Today's Special Plush Penguins $19.95," and hands Elliot money.  However it wasn't a plush penguin Elliot wanted for a friend, but instead a real penguin from the aquarium.

Elliot brings his penguin, Magellan, home and works to make him comfortable while keeping his father from knowing about his new friend.  Fortunately for Elliot, his father is not very observant.  Young readers will enjoy all the ways Elliot works to make his penguin friend feel at home.  Finally it is time for Magellan to take a swim in the tub.  When Elliot's father goes to take a bath and finds Magellan swimming you won't believe what happens.

Moo Hoo: A Story of Friendship

Every year our guidance counselor spends time in our classrooms talking about a green circle and friendship.  Honestly it is one of my favorite lessons she shares.  The green circle represents our circle of caring.  It represents friends and family.  The people we care about, and the people who care about us, are a part of our circle.  The circle represents the friends we have at school, in our neighborhoods, and in other parts of our lives.  She talks about how we want to keep growing our green circle by making new friends and not leaving others out.

I think she'll want to take a look at this new book about friendship published by Walker and Company, a division of Bloomsbury Publishing.  I happily received this ARC while visiting Bloomsbury at NCTE in Chicago.  It is scheduled to arrive April 10th, 2012. Moo Hoo written by Candance Ryan and illustrated by Mike Lowery is a story of two great friends, Cow and Owl.  Cow and Owl love to do everything together.  They play together, fix things together, and go places together.  Then one day Kangaroo shows up.  Kangaroo wants to join the fun, but Owl and Cow aren't sure they like the idea.  Will Kangaroo ever be let into the "green circles" of Owl and Cow?  Will they be friends?  You'll have to read to find out.  Hint:  I like happy endings.

Kids will enjoy listening to this story.  The words rhyme and have a rhythm which helps to make the story perfect for reading aloud.  The illustrations focus on the characters and help to show the friendship between Cow and Owl, as well as the uncertainty of adding a Roo to the equation.

When I read this story I couldn't help but think about Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes, and I'm sure my students will pick up this connection quickly too.  Chester and Wilson, Wilson and Chester, two friends who do EVERYTHING together.  They are, as the parents in the book say, two peas in a pod.  Then one day Lily comes along.  Lily has her own way of doing things.  Will these three be friends?  These two books would make a great pair for building community and talking about friendship.

You can read more about Moo Hoo at Mandy's blog:  Enjoy and Embrace Learning.