Friends are fun

PreS-Gr 1--Pete the parrot lives on a little island surrounded by the ocean. He lives alone, but he does not mind. One day, Turtle asks Pete if it's okay to join him on the island. Pete says yes, and they begin to play and then go fishing. Dog visits the island, and he, too, wants to join Pete. The parrot says yes, and all three animals begin to play. Next, Elephant asks to join Pete on his island. Pete says yes, and Elephant comes, bringing with him several sea creatures. While Pete, Turtle, Dog, and Elephant are all playing, a storm comes and starts to wash away the island. Due to Elephant's size, he is able to protect his friends from the storm. They are safe. The four friends remain together, until Elephant and Dog say goodbye to Pete, Turtle, and the island. At the end of the story, Pete is no longer alone; he is with Turtle, and that's okay. This vibrant, colorful book is perfect for children beginning to read. The quick-witted text is precise, making up short sentences for emergent readers, and the illustrations are flawlessly aligned to the words. VERDICT A short, concise story that teaches children to share and work as a team. Great for school and library collections.--Annmarie Braithwaite

Having good friends is always OK. Pete, a colorful parrot, lives alone on an island in the middle of the sea. Pete's OK with this. A sign reading "Pete," nailed to a palm tree, announces the parrot's presence. One day, Turtle comes, asking to stay; Pete says OK, and the pair enjoy fishing together. Dog arrives next and wants to stay. Pete issues the usual response, though a trifle doubtfully, and the trio play companionably. Then Elephant comes. Pete agrees, looking even more skeptical--the little island is looking smaller by the minute--but all get along. What comes next? A storm. That's not OK, but Elephant helps her friends, letting them nestle on her body when they're blown off the island. The following morning, Elephant and Dog depart, and Pete invites them back anytime they want to return; Turtle remains with Pete on the island. Pete's not alone anymore--which is very OK. A new sign--reading "and friend"--goes up under "Pete." This cute, simple story will be great fun for children getting into the reading groove. Each page features just one, or occasionally two, brief sentences with predictable patterns. Emergent readers will hone their skills on basic sight words and words that use long and short vowel sounds. The dynamic illustrations depict expressive, wide-eyed pals and help focus attention on the spirited action. A more-than-just-OK tale for new readers who appreciate lively friendship stories. (Early reader. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.