February 2009



There are all kinds of friends, and all are explored in this lovely, quiet volume by Anette Bley. A tribute to friends of all ages, this is a book to be shared both with those just beginning the process of gathering and making friends, and those who have a lifetime of shared laughter and experiences behind them.



"I wish I had a friend to play with on grey and rainy days. Someone to get in trouble with when I feel like playing tricks. Someone to dance and laugh with when I am happy. A friend who is quiet with me when I feel sad."



“A Friend is a charming children’s picture book about friendship. The thoughtful text and adventurous color illustrations list various qualities and wonderful things that true friends share. “I’m glad I have a friend to play with.../ ...on rainy days. / Someone to get in trouble with... / ...when I feel like playing tricks. / Someone to dance and laugh with... / ...when I am happy.” A lovely and heartwarming picture book, highly recommended.
The Midwest Book Review, May, 2009




Bley’s text is a beautiful, almost poetic reminder of what a friend can be and what a friend can offer you. … pencil-and-gouache illustrations are sweet and playful, with strong, flowing lines …
This is a wise, feel-good book about friendship. It’s a great book for a child, as well as a good gift to give to a friend. It has comforting, heart-warming text and illustrations. The book encourages friendship and thinking about what you might need from a friend, and also offers good limits that a child–or person–should have. Highly recommended! Cheryl Rainfield