The Friend

This book is beautiful in word, in illustration, and in sentiment. My daughter is 4 and we have enjoyed reading this book several times and most recently we sat with this book for nearly an hour talking about our love for the artwork on each page and the characters. I love this book for so many reasons, but the last page is what makes this one of my favorites. This teamwork of Sara's writing and David's art are a favorite of mine. I also own "The Gardener", which I like though not as much as this one. And I have a couple more of their books arriving shortly and I am so excited for their arrival!

Friendship is an enormous issue in elementary school...kids form cliques and do their best to fit in and feel like they belong. Opportunities to have dialogues about what true friendship means are few and far between. This book is the perfect opportunity. The Friend will show children what a good friend is and how valuable friendship can be. Tears came to my eyes at the end of this story and I don't doubt that you'll be touched by this semi-autobiographical tale as well.

My three year old loves this story! The story is about a little girl, Belle, who is cared for by the house keeper because her parents are too "busy." It describes their day to day lives that are full of fun for Belle. Then one day something terrible almost happens. Bea rescues Belle. It teaches a wonderful lesson of not going near water alone. My daughter is fascinated with Belle being submerged and then being pulled out. It opens up a great opportunity to discuss water safety with kids. I make a point to do that after every read. But besides that it is a great touching story.

This is a wonderful and touching story! It reminded me of my childhood and gave me peace to know someone had written about it in such a caring way. This book has become one of my favorites!

This award winning husband and wife team (The Gardener and The Library) has created a beautiful, moving tribute to "all the people across the world who have saved the lives of children by paying attention when others did not." Stewart's lyrical rhyming tale is apparently an ode to the African-American housekeeper, Ola Beatrice Smith, who took loving care of her as a child when her parents were too busy to give her the devoted, day to day, loving attention she needed and wanted. Small's gorgeous, colorful watercolor illustrations reveal the playful, loving relationship between the slight, red-haired young Belle and her strong, hardworking, loveable caretaker Bea. A visual delight, they perfectly illuminate the close relationship between two by showing Belle "helping" Bea with her household chores, as well as their late afternoon playtimes at a stunning beach. Criticism directed at the stereotypical rich white child taken care of by an African American servant whose outside life is completely ignored should be considered in light of the book's autobiographical and historical context. (Small's illustrations suggest the post WWII era). Recommended for all children aged 4 to 8 and highly recommended those who spend significant time in the care of caretakers other than their parents.

"The Friend" is author Sarah Stewart's salute to a childhood friend who was a surrogate parent - a 'stand-in' for a too-busy mother. It is the poignant story of little Belle's friendship with housekeeper Bea, and of a painful void being filled 'way beyond duty.(How could anyone be paid adequately for love that transcends pity and paycheck?) This sweetest story is written for children AND adults, and may we all learn about valuing the beautiful varieties of friendship. The ocean's healing grace is evident when each day "Belle and Bea, by the sea, hand in hand" grow in friendship and reliance on one another. But then the day comes when little Belle challenges the ocean with her own bravado and audacity. David Small (husband of the author) paints the rescue: a scene that sums up the author's gratitude for life, for friendship. This lovely story makes me want to be a pretend librarian and gather adult friends in a circle for story-telling. I would tell how Sarah Stewart's words and David Small's paintings grab my heart. Memories surface as I see the picture in the locket and I have a renewed appreciation for the blessedness of my own childhood. *REVIEWER mcHAIKU* suggests you 'give yourself up' to the tears as well as the laughter in this lively, loving poem that is matched by exquisitely imaginative illustrations.