Review - A Friend Like You

A Friend Like You
by Frank Murphy & Charnaie Gordon
illustrated by Kayla Harren
Date: 2021
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

There's nothing in the world like a wonderful friend. Friends are there to laugh with you and ready with a hug when you need one. There are forever friends and brand new friends. Friends for adventures and friends for cozy days indoors. Friends who are just like you and friends who are nothing like you at all. In this book, celebrate ALL the marvelous ways to be a friend!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I picked up this book without realizing I'd already read another one from the same author and illustrator, A Boy Like You, which I read in 2019 and really enjoyed. A Friend Like You features a lovely message, some great tips on making (and strengthening) friendships, and absolutely adorable pictures.

There's something charming and magical about Kayla Harren's illustrations. A beautifully diverse array of children is presented here, anchored by one friendship between a black girl and a white boy whose relationship carries through the pages of the book. Values like open-mindedness, forgiveness, and listening are illustrated with playful images that are both sweet and poignant.

I'd recommend this one to readers looking for strong books about friendship. How to be a good friend is a topic that's always timely.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.5 out of 5