What Do You Want Little Friend?

Submitted by christywillim on
Author
Marianne Dubuc
Hudson, NY: Princeton Architectural Press (Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books), 2020
18 pp., board book, $12.95
ISBN
9781616899448
Grades
Preschool-kindergarten
Ages
Ages 1-5
Review by
Courtney Crocker
Excerpt

Ouch. Oh no! Are you okay, little fly? Come on little fly, MOVE! Move like me. Don’t you want to?

In this board book, a cat is flying his kite when he comes across a fly who doesn’t appear to be moving. The cat encourages the fly to move. He asks the fly why he isn’t moving like an ant or flying like a bird, but the fly stays still. It isn’t until the cat gives the ant a kiss that the fly finally moves.

What Do You Want Little Friend? is a simple story that young readers will love. The plot is simple yet endearing. It teaches the importance of caring for others, no matter how small. I did wonder if the poor little fly was dead while reading this book. However, fear not because the fly does move.

The illustrations in this book fit the simplicity of the text. The background is plain white while the grey cat wears a brightly coloured yellow shirt and orange pants. The fly and the cat stand out against the white background making the visual appealing to little readers.

What Do You Want Little Friend? is a great addition to any library. The length and ease of the book make it the perfect read-aloud. Young readers will enjoy the repetitive nature of the text and the sweet illustrations.

Highly Recommended
Reviewer

Courtney Crocker is the Regional Librarian for Central Division with Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries. She lives in Gander, Newfoundland.