Best Friends - Hardcover

Kellogg, Steven

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0803700997 ISBN 13: 9780803700994

Publisher: Dial, 1986

Synopsis

After sharing a host of good times with her best friend, Louise Jenkins, Kathy is crushed when Louise's aunt and uncle take her away for summer vacation

About this title

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3 Kellogg's "fantastical" nature is more than evident in his latest title. Best friends Kathy and Louise share everything together. When Louise goes away for the summer, Kathy sees the neighborhoodliterally and figurativelyas a barren desert. Finally a postcard arrivesLouise (the traitor) is having a wonderful time! Kathy is hurt and angry but is somewhat appeased by the appearance of a new neighbor, 72-year-old Mr. Jode, who has a dog who is about to have puppies. Kathy is to have the first spotted pup; Louise's mom also arranges for Louise to have one. Louise returns, bearing gifts and assurances that she did indeed miss Kathy. The first puppy is brown, and given to Louise. There is no second puppy. Kathy is crushed, until Louise suggests raising the puppy together. All ends in starry daydreams about the future. The watercolor and ink illustrations are appealingly bright and magical. Kathy and Louise's daydreams are vividly and flamboyantly portrayed, with "reality" just as attractively pictured. If this title is flawed, it is only because Kellogg attempts too much in his plot. There is too much going on for too long, but the charm of the illustrations is enough to minimize this factor. Janice M. Del Negro, Hild Regional Public Library, Chicago
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly

Kathy and Louise, best friends, do everything together in school and at home. They even invent a pet horse, Golden Silverwind, who lives in a pretend stable between their houses. They imagine that the neighborhood becomes a fantasyland and spend wonderful hours playing. When Louise is whisked off for her family's summer vacation, Kathy is miserable when she learns that her friend can have fun without her. Worse still, Louise returns home and claims a neighborhood dog's only puppy, leaving Kathy feeling slighted yet again. Finally, when Kathy shares her hurt feelings, Louise understands and helps her resolve them. The story's concerns are truly childlike, and Kathy's emotions are realistically depicted. The illustrations, filled with warmth and humor, flow along with the story to the final satisfying frame.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Dial
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0803700997
• ISBN 13: 9780803700994
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32