Linda Sarah

BIG FRIENDS by Linda Sarah is an adorable picture book that tells the story of cardboard boxes, imagination, and friendship.

Birt and Etho share a passion for turning ordinary paper boxes into imaginary worlds featuring pirates and astronauts. However when Shu joins the group, Birt becomes uncomfortable and retreats to his house. Shu and Etho find a way to bring Birt back into the fold by combining their boxes together.

The simple illustrations and pleasing rhythm of the story will appeal to young children. Youth will easily empathize with the friendship themes.

Librarians will find that this authentic story is an excellent resource to jumpstart discussions about friendship, jealousy, change, and working together. Use the book as the centerpiece of a cardboard box themed project with hands-on activities involving groups of two and three working together.

Published by Henry Holt on January 19, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.… (meer)

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Media: Pencil and Oils
This book is CRF because it is about two friends who go up on a hill and imagine they are many things with their cardboard boxes. Then one day someone else wants to play with them. One then feels left out so he leaves the hill and stays inside. Then the other two make a great cardboard machine for him and they all three become good friends. I liked this book a lot. I think it shows how you can be a friend group of three because I know it can be hard to do that sometimes.… (meer)