Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Beaver is good at making lots of things yet despite all efforts, he's just not able to make a friend. Beaver decides to use a snowfall to make a friend in a different way. In doing, so he attracts the attention of Raccoon, and their collaborative effort in the creation of a snowman also develops a friendship. Raccoon and Beaver appear in digital art with large, expressive eyes and cartoon smiles featuring a range of emotions as they work together rolling, patting, and stacking snow. They add raisins and branches, offer opportunities to play or even join a parade to encourage their new snow friend to say "Wow" or "Thanks" or anything." Disappointment follows. "This friend was not much of a friend at all. In fact, he seemed rather cold." This title frames a friendship in the making as it first grows undiscovered, awareness of a true friendship arrives unexpectedly, and the relationship suddenly blossoms. Clever text, dialogue, and easily identifiable emotions of its characters make it a welcome addition to materials for social emotional learning. VERDICT A suggested general purchase for all libraries, this a fine choice for one-on-one and small group sharing.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Beaver was good at making lots of things," but he struggles to make friends. Raccoon has the same problem, and together they build a snowman to keep them company. Through teamwork, discovery, sadness, and relief, the animals realize they can be friends. The dialogue-heavy text is simple and clear. Cozy digital illustrations show the creatures on their journey toward friendship. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
While making things isn't the same as making friends, sometimes one can lead to the other.Beaver is very good at the formerhis lodge is a cabin with a slide attachedbut not the latter. Friend's digital illustrations show the many ways Beaver's attempts at friendship go wrong, and readers will empathize with the poor guy (and with the porcupine he presents with balloons on their birthday!). So when snow starts falling, Beaver endeavors to make his own friend. When Raccoon stops by, curious, they point out, "it takes two to make a friend." Beaver's crestfallen until Raccoon does the math. The two cooperate marvelously, but the completed friend seems cold and doesn't interact with either of them. Can't they find someone to play with? It finally dawns on Beaver that he already has. Friend's anthropomorphic animals are adorable, and readers will have no trouble telling how they are feeling.A sure recipe for making a friendreal or snow. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
