Friends Forever

A friend recommended Marilyn Martin's book to me, and I was not disappointed. The title friends are two young girls, Alexandra and Skylyn, who learn about nature, horseback riding, animal life and much more as they grow up in rural Colorado. Their love of family, animals and nature shines through in this warm and engaging tale. Among the book's many enthralling vignettes is an account of a beaver family that emerges in spring from the warmth of its winter lodge. Twin baby beavers, learning to swim in a pond, are observed by pre-teen Alexandra and her grandfather while exploring an old Indian trail. Later the two girls learn, from Skylyn's Indian grandmother, how to make a teepee and weave willow baskets. Another adventure starts out in a jeep following a bumpy trail as "Gramps" takes the girls to an old silver mine. As the girls share their adventures and discoveries, they are bound as friends forever. This book will please all ages, but the values it exhibits will be especially rewarding for young girls. I'm keeping my copy to reread, and bought an extra copy for a 14-year-old girl I know.

This book is exciting and fun. I love Alex and Skye's adventures and especially the rodeo. It makes me want to move to a Colorado dude ranch. I can't wait for the next book.