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Publisher:
Farrar Straus Giroux |
Release
Date: |
ISBN:
0374324638 |
Awards:
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Format
Reviewed: Hardcover, Full-color, Picture Book |
Buy
it at Amazon |
Read
an Excerpt |
Genre:
Childrens fiction (Age Group: 5+) |
Reviewed:
2004 |
Reviewer:
Jan Fields |
Reviewer
Notes: |
Copyright
MyShelf.com |
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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 Smalls
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 Stewarts 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 childs book. Its difficult to read aloud
smoothly without practice and a rough reading doesnt capture
the lyrical poetry it really is a book for adults and older
children who can read for themselves. Its
a very personal work, a memoir and a tribute to someone from Stewarts
young life. Anyone who remembers a special caretaker from childhood
will love this lyrical, sentimental memoir.
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