A Splendid Friend, Indeed

Wanted to read this one for a while, so much did I like the cover. Sweet story about friendship and understanding, illustrated in lovely, dreamy, textured pastels, blue, yet warm, the type you would want to frame and hang by your child's bed. There are follow ups to this books, in a series of titles about Goose and Bear, and if my son was younger (he's four, going on five) I would probably get all the titles without hesitation. [b:A Splendid Friend, Indeed|1081530|A Splendid Friend, Indeed|Suzanne Bloom|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347798127s/1081530.jpg|1068273] however, while probably aimed at toddlers/preschoolers can double as an early reader with its simple vocabulary, and yet it contains two of my favorite words of the English show more language: splendid and indeed! Goose and Bear are certainly an unlikely pair of friends, as different in temperament as they are, one eager, inquisitive, the other quiet and contemplative. This creates a tension right from the beginning, that definitely caught my young reader's attention. We loved the happy conclusion! show less

Suzanne Bloom does a remarkable job of building a story and conveying a message through such lively artwork and subtle text. The duck and the bear are incredibly different, but they find compatibility in that. This book speaks to friendships that are created out of differences/diversity. Friendships can come from two persons that society may not see as "normal" or compatible, or even who may not have much in common, but this doesn't make the friendships any less epic. Because of the simple text, I would recommend this book for children up to 2nd grade.

Using a few perfect words, Bloom clearly expresses the relationship between Goose and Bear -- which is brilliantly captured in the expressive illustrations. Goose persistently interrupts and seeks attention, Bear suppresses his anger and frustration -- until he sees and hears how much Goose really loves him. It is a lovely honest portrayal of friendship.

This story just comes to show that everyone is in need of someone to be there for them. We have bear who seems to be doing fine without anyone by his side. He seems to be quite content just doing his own thing. However, here comes goose with his vibrant and persistent personality to try to start a conversation with bear. Bear is hesitant and tries to reluctantly to stay away and just as he is about to blow up, goose reads something to him. "I like you. Indeed I do. you are my splendid friend." Sometimes that's all it takes, someone to say these words to make everything else disappear and make someone truly happy. That was what bear had been missing all along.

A duck keeps bugging his polar bear friend. The polar bear is annoyed but later understands why he is getting so much attention. I like how the book shows that attention can be annoying at times but intentions are more meaningful.

An adorable and quick story to read. The tone of the story is easy to follow because of the characters expressions and word choice. It's a great story about friendship.

This is a great book for beginning readers. I would read this to my class or let someone read it to me. It also reminded me of sibling love, the younger ones can seem so annoying sometimes, asking you question after question after question to see what you're doing or see what you like, but that's because they look up to you and love you so much. And when you realize that, a great bond forms.