Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Release Date:
ISBN: 0374324638
Awards:  
Format Reviewed: Hardcover, Full-color, Picture Book
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Genre: Children’s fiction (Age Group: 5+)
Reviewed: 2004
Reviewer: Jan Fields
Reviewer Notes:  
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The Friend
By Sarah Stewart

Illustrator: David Small

     This is an interesting book, more for adults than children, by a celebrated husband and wife team. It is always a delight to see David Small’s art. His portrayal of little Annabelle Bernadette Clementine Dodd is lively and engaging. Her friend and caretaker, Bea, is depicted with a gentle, loving dignity that makes this a touching story for any adult. Sarah Stewart’s text in this rhyming picture book is a bit more challenging and depends heavily upon the illustrations for clarity. I tried reading the story to my daughter and she frequently had trouble understanding the poetic text – it is definitely not a small child’s book. It’s difficult to read aloud smoothly without practice and a rough reading doesn’t capture the lyrical poetry – it really is a book for adults and older children who can read for themselves. It’s a very personal work, a memoir and a tribute to someone from Stewart’s young life. Anyone who remembers a special caretaker from childhood will love this lyrical, sentimental memoir.