November 2012, Book Island, 36 pages, Paperback, Review copy
Summary from Book Island
Bernie the bear and Flora the duck have been best friends for a long,
long time. They enjoy the same things and love to work together in
Bernie’s garden, where he grows the most beautiful flowers.
But one day, Flora arrives at Bernie’s house to find that his
flowers have all disappeared! And there’s no sign of Bernie either.
Who has taken the flowers? And why? Flora turns detective and
questions Bernie’s friends. What she eventually discovers is even more
beautiful than Bernie’s garden ...
Bernie and Flora, always and forever.
Nayuleska's thoughts
Perhaps it was because of what happened in a
story I read before this one but from the blurb on the back I thought Bernie
had died or moved away forever. Boy was I wrong! I'm glad I was wrong as it was
such a sweet plot twist I welled up a bit. It was utterly charming, like the
illustrations which work well with being part colour and part black and white.
The style and brightness of the flowers is one I like a lot. I loved how each
animal wore an item or two of clothing, how they all do a hobby that doesn't
involve technology and which readers may like to try out. Flora's anger
reminded me of what I feel like when the unexpected happens. I loved finding
out the meaning of the friends' names as well as the language of flowers. I'm glad there is a sequel!
Suggested read
For another sweet read about friendship check out Amelie and Nanette: Sparkly Shoes and A New Dress by Sophie Tilley (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)
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