Mike and Conrad are best friends. They eat together, read together, play together, and that's the way it's always been. Things change, however, when Victor moves to town. Victor is cool, way cool, and has the sunglasses to prove it. Soon Conrad and Victor are doing everything together, and Mike is left out.
Kids love the rhythmic, sing-songy playgroundish language and funny, collage like illustrations of Alexis O'Neill's RECESS QUEEN (another great back to school read aloud- it's pictured here because I can't find a picture of WORST BEST FRIEND) and WORST BEST FRIEND is another sure winner that kids will reread, and reread, and reread, and chant on the playground.
On a deeper level though, WORST BEST FRIEND is one of those books kids NEED in their lives. The first couple of reads, they enjoy the book, notice new things in the illustrations, read along. The third or fourth time, though, they talk about heart issues- what it feels like to lose a best friend, being left out, loneliness, loyalty. All kids lose a deep and treasured friend at least once in their lives, and books like this make a very hard experience a little less painful.
I'm sure this book will disappear, and I'll replace it more than once.
Carol - I'm so thrilled that you blogged about my newest book, THE WORST BEST FRIEND -- and that you think that kids will like to explore this book again and again. (By the way -- Victor is the cool new kid and Mike & Conrad are best best friends) Kids at Baldwin Stocker School in Arcadia, CA blogged about Victor in the early stages and gave suggestions of what would make him look cool. Laura Huliska-Beith, the illustrator, worked the leather jacket and sunglasses into the pictures! I love reading your posts. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteCheers -
ALEXIS
www.alexisoneill.com