All Kinds of Friends

February 15, 2013
In the same vein as her classic All Kinds of Families (1976; illustrated by Joe Lasker) and All Kinds of Children (1999; illustrated by Diane Paterson), Simon now offers an unassuming exploration of friendship. The text conveys information in a straightforward, simple way: People have all kinds of friends--children, babies, grown-ups and pets; we are happy to see our friends, and they are happy to see us; we love our friends, and they love us; having friends is important. Readers also learn that sometimes friends fight and that it can be difficult to leave old friends behind and make new ones when a family relocates. The realistic and richly detailed illustrations enhance and extend the prose. For example, when the text explains that sometimes friends get upset with one another and have to apologize to make up, the illustrations depict two children with bicycles, one of whom is clearly upset; his equally angry friend pedals away. Children will enjoy discussing what they think might have happened as well as how the children make amends. The illustrations also make the point that friendships can thrive across gender, age and ethnic boundaries, and children are sure to recognize themselves and others they know in the diverse array of characters that populate the pages. A humble, heartening offering good for sharing one on one or discussing with a group. (Picture book. 4-8)

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February 1, 2013

K-Gr 2-In a relaxed, conversational tone, Simon explains the importance of friendship. Everyone has "all kinds of friends": other children, babies, adults, pets, and even toys. She tells readers that friends are usually happy together, but sometimes they get mad until they talk again and say, "I'm sorry." She discusses the difficulties of moving and saying good-bye to old friends, but that soon "you make one friend, two friends, and a few more friends." The vibrant, contemporary illustrations show school-age children at the beach, camping in the woods, and having fun at the fair. They are talking, laughing, and sharing. In an author's note, Simon discusses the social development of children, emphasizing the story's ultimate message that, "Wherever you live, whoever you are, friends are important." As children prepare to enter school and venture beyond their immediate family circle, parents and librarians may want to share this perceptive title, along with Russell Hoban's Best Friends for Frances (HarperCollins, 1994) to spark discussion about relationships and new social situations.-Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston, MA

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