Tuesday, 20 September 2016

Be A Friend by Salina Yoon (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)


July 2016, Bloomsbury Children's, 40 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Bloomsbury
Dennis is an ordinary boy who expresses himself in extraordinary ways. Some children shout, some children sing, Dennis mimes. But being a mime is lonely. When Dennis meets a girl named Joy, he begins to discover the power of friendship and how special it can be. - See more at: http://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/be-a-friend-9781408869093/#sthash.pzk2BiNJ.dpuf
Dennis is an ordinary boy who expresses himself in extraordinary ways. Some children shout, some children sing, Dennis mimes. But being a mime is lonely. When Dennis meets a girl named Joy, he begins to discover the power of friendship and how special it can be.

Nayu's thoughts
Every book of Salina's is amazing, and this one is no exception! The message on the cover that "Everyone needs someone' is so true, and I was thrilled that Joy becomes friends with Dennis. I confess to finding mimes are creepy, but for some reason Dennis wasn't, probably because he is cute and I felt sorry that he was left out because he didn't speak. 

I loved Salina's way of depicting his miming (unsure of the correct terminology), and cheered when Joy knew exactly what to do to make him smile, which in turn helped him make more friends. The end was a very happy one! I especially liked the first and last pages, with both Dennis and Joy on pulling a rope, as it signifies a lot without any words. Friendship includes the ability to get on with someone without using words. 

Find out more on Salina's website

Suggested read
Be sure to check out Salina's other work which includes the mega adorable Penguin and Pumpkin by Salina Yoon (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

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