Ok...I wasn't prepared to get teary during bedtime stories last night. I loved this one - the sly illustrations, the humor, and the overall touching story. But, especially Pickles - I do really love sweet Pickles. This is definitely a book for older kids and adults since there is a lot of "death talk" - no way would my 3-year old have been able to wrap her head around it. My sometimes sensitive 8-year old really enjoyed it, though. Pete, a "perfectly practical pig" saves Pickles, the boisterous elephant, from the circus. Pickles and Pete strike up a joyful friendship until Pete simply can't handle the chaos that Pickles brings into his life. After a very scary flood, Pete realizes that his friend truly makes life worth living. There is so much to love about this book. The illustrations are an important part of this complex story. Early in the book, we see that Pete has several well know paintings hanging on his wall. Breathed uses these pieces of art throughout the book in a way that is fun, interesting, and thoughtful. Breathed also uses a variety of styles, which really enhances the tone and feeling of the story. I'm not sure that this is a great book to use for instruction in a library program and I'm not sure that it would make a good whole group read aloud. But it's a wonderful book and I look forward to reading it to my own children one day.
What do You think about Pete & Pickles (2008)?
Friendship:It is not always easy nor convenient,but it is beautiful and supportive.
—cal
Touching story! Came highly recommended by a patron, glad I read it! :)
—Sandy
Goofy and sweet story about a pair of unlikely friends!
—Igardner
