the book of the week is "Friends"

About 15 years ago a friend of mine gave this delightful little tome and to this day whenever I pick it up it never fails to entertain me. Written and illustrated by Helme Heine the book takes us on the adventures of Percy the pig, Johnny Mouse and Charlie Rooster, three very good friends indeed.

Heine's artwork is superb and the watercolor illustrations capture the essence of play and adventure with such honesty that you realize it's not a myth or a cliche', childhood really is a time of wonderment.

The site of the three of them riding the bike with Charlie straddling the handlebars while Percy and Johnny each take a pedal is reason enough to buy this book. When they discover a boat and have a pirate adventure I am transported back to my own childhood and our collection of forts and hideaways that my friends and I constantly built and rebuilt.

However, as with all fine literature, not all is play and there is a lesson to be learned too. I won't spoil the ending by telling you what it is, but I will say we could all do with a little reminder of the importance of friendship and the magical benefits it brings to our lives, so read this book.




Available from Kepler's if you live in the Bay Area. Support you local bookstore!

or, if you are an Amazon junkie, find it here>>