Synopsis
Mike and Conrad, Conrad and Mike are best, best friends. That is until Victor, a new boy, a big boy, a cool boy, arrives at school. Suddenly, Conrad turns into the WORST best friend and forgets all about his pal, Mike. But when Victor's need to win leaves Conrad crushed, it's Mike who steps up to the plate and shows how to be a real friend, a true-blue friend, a best, BEST friend.
Exuberant illustrations and rhythmic text bounce off the pages in this frank and funny look at the challenges and rewards of friendship. A perfect read-aloud to share with all friends again and again.
RAVES FOR THE RECESS QUEEN!
"smart, sassy, and energetic." --School Library Journal
"[A] lively story about the power of kindness and friendship. --Publisher's Weekly
"O'Neill's text brims with fun-to-say phrases that fit a rollicking rhythm....Huliska-Beith's memorable Jean busts out of the pages...swirling prespectives in the gouache and collage artwork provide a sense of movement....And humorous details...convey the underlying drama of the situation." --Los Angeles Times
Children's Literature
Mike and Conrad are best friends until Victor arrives. Victor is the new kid in school, the new BIG kid in school. Conrad thinks Victor is awesome and forgets about his old friend. Victor likes to brag and talk only about himself. At recess one day, Mike and Victor are team captains picking their teammates. Victor only picks the big kids and Conrad is not big enough. As a true blue friend, Mike picks Conrad for his team. Conrad learns what it means to be a true friend, and Mike learns about forgiveness. This engaging story makes for a great read aloud book. There are secret handshakes and great sound effect words that will catch the attention of the listener. Young readers will want to memorize that handshake! The text is spread throughout the pictures, inviting the reader to examine each picture as a major component of the story. Overall, this book is an appealing story for primary grades and would do well as part of a theme about friendship. Reviewer: Ann Farina