  | Walter had a best friend Author: Underwood, Deborah | |
| Price: $23.78 | ||
Summary:
Walter and Xavier were best friends until they slowly drifted apart, then Walter meets Ollie which could be the start of a new friendship.
| Illustrator: | Ruzzier, Sergio |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 1.80 Points: .5 Quiz: 518493 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (07/01/22)
School Library Journal (09/30/22)
Booklist (10/01/22)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/09/22)
The Hornbook (00/09/22)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 09/30/2022 PreS-Gr 2—A simple story about friendship and loss, this book beautifully captures the end of the friendship between Walter and his duck friend, Xavier. It brings so much fulfillment to Walter's life, until Penelope the porcupine comes along. Xavier and Penelope become inseparable, and Walter becomes lonely and sad. But rather than moping around forever, Walter decides to embrace his new independence, move on, and find beauty in life on his own. In doing so, he meets Ollie, a badger who shares his love of hiking. Ruzzier's delicate pastel illustrations complement the text nicely as Walter learns to enjoy life again. Muted greens, pinks, and blues dominate the pages and prove to be not only very appealing to the eye, but an appropriate balance with the author's words. VERDICT An excellent book for a simple read-aloud in a primary setting or as an independent choice for a beginning reader. Some friendships do not last forever, it is okay to fly solo, and new friendships come when you least expect them; these are comforting and relatable lessons for any child struggling with loss or change.—Kerra Mazzariello - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
