The Friend

Rating:
Summary: * SWEET FRIENDSHIP SPEAKS *
Review: "The Friend" is author Sarah Stewart's salute to a childhood friend who was a surrogate parent - a 'stand-in' for a too-busy mother. It is the poignant story of little Belle's friendship with housekeeper Bea, and of a painful void being filled 'way beyond duty.(How could anyone be paid adequately for love that transcends pity and paycheck?)

This sweetest story is written for children AND adults, and may we all learn about valuing the beautiful varieties of friendship. The ocean's healing grace is evident when each day "Belle and Bea, by the sea, hand in hand" grow in friendship and reliance on one another.

But then the day comes when little Belle challenges the ocean with her own bravado and audacity. David Small (husband of the author) paints the rescue: a scene that sums up the author's gratitude for life, for friendship.

This lovely story makes me want to be a pretend librarian and gather adult friends in a circle for story-telling. I would tell how Sarah Stewart's words and David Small's paintings grab my heart. Memories surface as I see the picture in the locket and I have a renewed appreciation for the blessedness of my own childhood.

*REVIEWER mcHAIKU* suggests you 'give yourself up' to the tears as well as the laughter in this lively, loving poem that is matched by exquisitely imaginative illustrations.

Rating:
Summary: A MUST for Kids with Nannies or the Equivalent!
Review: This award winning husband and wife team (The Gardener and The Library) has created a beautiful, moving tribute to "all the people across the world who have saved the lives of children by paying attention when others did not." Stewart's lyrical rhyming tale is apparently an ode to the African-American housekeeper, Ola Beatrice Smith, who took loving care of her as a child when her parents were too busy to give her the devoted, day to day, loving attention she needed and wanted. Small's gorgeous, colorful watercolor illustrations reveal the playful, loving relationship between the slight, red-haired young Belle and her strong, hardworking, loveable caretaker Bea. A visual delight, they perfectly illuminate the close relationship between two by showing Belle "helping" Bea with her household chores, as well as their late afternoon playtimes at a stunning beach. Criticism directed at the stereotypical rich white child taken care of by an African American servant whose outside life is completely ignored should be considered in light of the book's autobiographical and historical context. (Small's illustrations suggest the post WWII era). Recommended for all children aged 4 to 8 and highly recommended those who spend significant time in the care of caretakers other than their parents.

Rating:
Summary: Poor little rich girl...
Review: This is a charming story told in rhyme about a little girl (Belle) who's parents are too busy for her, but her caregiver (Bea) always has time for her, despite the numerous chores around the house. Each day of the week is given two full page spreads--the first layout is devoted to describing verbally what that day holds, and how Belle makes Bea's day a little brighter, just by being a little girl. The second layout is always a sweeping view of the beach, ocean or house, and how Belle and Bea are enjoying their playtime there. The story ends rather abruptly, but readers are left thinking about that special adult they had in their life when they were children. The illustrations are colorful and detailed (I love Belle dancing with a broom), and readers will sense all the emotions the words are conveying in the drawings. A book that should appeal to the adult reading it as much as the child.