Hannah E. Harrison

Rupert was a quiet rhinoceros with refined tastes. He liked reading dictionaries, listening to Beethoven and eating cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off. Levi was a loud tickbird with a taste for corny jokes and a penchant for making armpit farts. When Levi lands on Rupert and won't be dislodged, the rhino is at first embarrassed and upset. But when he finally tells Levi to take a hike, the little bird's observation that he thought Rupert needed a friend has the rhino show more reconsidering...

Author/illustrator Hannah E. Harrison uses the classic "odd couple who become friends" story to explore the idea of symbiosis in Friends Stick Together. She includes two definitions of the word symbiosis, at the beginning and the end of her tale, and the subtle differences between the two definitions mirror the changes that occur in the story, as Rupert realizes he really does want a friend. I enjoyed Harrison's entertaining narrative, and appreciated the fact that she has Levi use some big words at the end, as this will emphasize to young children that having a more brash personality, or enjoying more "low-brow" things, is not tied in any way to a lack of intelligence (a classic classist idea, that is often still quite prevalent). I also appreciated the illustrations, which are cute, and often quite humorous. Recommended to anyone looking for new picture-books about friendship, or children's stories that indirectly explore the idea of symbiosis. show less

I loved this fun story about a stubborn little sheep named George and the kind shepherd who saved him. The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is filled with bright, colorful illustrations of cuddly sheep, a frightening wolf, and a protective shepherd dedicated to protecting his flock but its true charm comes from the entertaining and inspiring story. Children may laugh at George's antics, but they'll also learn about guidance and protection.

This book targets children, but it's a fantastic show more choice for the entire family. Read it with your children, discuss the importance of rules and obedience, and compare George's story to the biblical concepts found in the parable of the lost sheep and the 23rd Psalm. Kudos to author and illustrator Hannah E. Harrison!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher via FrontGate Women's Blogger Network. There was no obligation for a positive review. show less

This is a FANTASTIC book about friendship. Rupert the Rhinoceros loves reading the dictionary and listens to classical music. He doesn't have any friends, but that doesn't seem to bother him. One day, Levi the Tickbird shows up and befriends Rupert. Levi is goofy, funny, zany, and a little wild and crazy for Rupert's tastes. Rupert tries to get rid of him to no avail. One day when he's had enough of Levi's goofy antics, Rupert tells Levi that he wants to be alone. Levi is so sad and he show more leaves. Without Levi around, Rupert finds that life is a little boring, he doesn't have anyone to eat the ticks off his back so he's itchy and now he doesn't have ANY friends. He apologizes to Levi and they become the best of friends despite their differences. The illustrations are beautiful. They deepen the reader's understanding of the characters' feelings and personalities. In addition to being a wonderful book about friendship, the author brings in the scientific concept of symbiosis by showing how the two characters of different species gain mutual benefit by their close association. Wonderfully done! show less

Jane is a little dog who travels in the circus, but she doesn't feel like she's as special as her mother, father, siblings, or any of the other circus performers. But in the end she realizes that she's great at one thing: being Jane. And that's good enough. I love the message in this story that you shouldn't compare yourself to others.