My Best Friend

A little girl has a story to tell. She has a best friend. At least she thinks so, but since she has never had a best friend before, she isn’t positive. But she is pretty sure because everything they do together is just perfect. Her new friend has shiny black hair and laughs at everything. They make their hands turn into ducks and run off quacking. They have quiet times in the shade or hide in the bushes or chase through the gardens. And when the little girl steps on a pretty flower, her new best friend helps her fix it. They draw each other in chalk and draw hearts around them before leaving the park. When they see each other again, the little girl will be sure to ask her new best friend her name.

Julie Fogliano has written a perfectly charming story that captures the magic of children’s play and the discovery of building friendships. Jillian Tamaki’s enchanting illustrations are filled with sweet details and beautiful scenes. Children will love this book, as will the adults who read it to them. The publisher missed an opportunity, however, in choosing not to have racial diversity represented in the book.