Tuesday Storytime: Funny Friends

Nothing's better than a good friend; someone with whom you can share your hopes and fears (and sometimes your living spaces).  Here's a trio of stories showcasing various excellent friendships.

Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy
David Soman and Jacky Davis, illustrated by David Soman
ISBN:  9780803733398
Ladybug Girl is ready for adventure at her favorite playground, but once there, she runs into a spot of difficulty when her friend Sam doesn't want to play her way (and she's not that interested in playing the things he likes either).  What's a superhero to do?  If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!  I love the Ladybug Girl books because the 'problems' she faces are so simple and human, and she goes through a realistic process of frustration, mistakes, and finally solving the problem on her own.  Really positive messages, but the stories manage to not be too preachy or moralistic along the way.

Good Luck Bear
Greg Foley
ISBN: 9780670062584
I haven't seen the earlier books in this set (Thank You Bear and Don't Worry Bear) but I'll have to look them up, because this one is cute as the dickens.  My storytime kids are tiny, with equally small attention spans, so I try to have at least one "quick" book in each storytime, to let them feel successful at paying attention to a whole entire book.  This is a perfect fit, thematically, story-wise, pictures, and length.  I love it.  Bear is looking for a lucky 4-leaf clover, and a whole parade of "friends" amble by offering criticism, cut-downs, or interference, until Mouse shows what true friendship means.

One Cool Friend
Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by David Small
(Caldecott Honor book)
ISBN: 9780803734135
Elliot is delighted when his father takes him to the Natural Museum, and even more-so when dad says that Elliot can have a penguin!  The set-up is cute and at least on the first read-through, even a shock for adults, but re-reads will show slightly out-of-frame hints and sneaky double-meaning comments throughout.  Really love that it's a father and son, and that the household is obviously quite devoted to scientific pursuits.  The cameo of the library lady (who was helpful and accepting) is a nice bonus.