Walter Had a Best Friend

Soft pastel colors match the meditative tone of the spare yet poignant text. This tender, sensitive story speaks to the pain of losing a friendship, validating sadness but emphasizing that there is a way ahead. Perceptively, Underwood recognizes, too, that not all friendships end with fights or drama and that drifting apart slowly can feel just as raw. A gentle story of friendships lost and gained and life moving on.

The basic pathway of this emotionally significant story by Underwood (Every Little Letter) will be familiar to anyone who has loved, and lost, a dear companion. Walter, a rodent, and Xavier, who appears to be a green-footed fowl, are best friends, hiking and painting and boating together, until one day, after Xavier and a newcomer bond, "they weren't." Though Xavier and hedgehog Penelope are friendly to Walter, even extending an invitation to a ballgame, "it wasn't the same," and Walter has many empty hours to fill. Ruzzier (No! Said Custard the Squirrel) creates a warm-hued landscape in which appealing animal characters experiencing recognizable emotions move among delightfully strange natural wonders. As Walter's world changes, his whole body sags--even his tail. Far from bouncing back quickly, Walter sustains a period of real mourning before things improve. The creators pay careful attention to this stage of his experience, giving it direct, powerful words (" 'I hate Xavier, ' Walter said to his mirror. But really, he didn't") before revealing what's on the other side. Reprising the words quietly and slowly around the story's illustrated phases, the creators paint a realistic portrait of painful change and a hopeful vision of moving on. Ages up to 8. Author's agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary. Illustrator's agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary. (Oct.)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2--A simple story about friendship and loss, this book beautifully captures the end of the friendship between Walter and his duck friend, Xavier. It brings so much fulfillment to Walter's life, until Penelope the porcupine comes along. Xavier and Penelope become inseparable, and Walter becomes lonely and sad. But rather than moping around forever, Walter decides to embrace his new independence, move on, and find beauty in life on his own. In doing so, he meets Ollie, a badger who shares his love of hiking. Ruzzier's delicate pastel illustrations complement the text nicely as Walter learns to enjoy life again. Muted greens, pinks, and blues dominate the pages and prove to be not only very appealing to the eye, but an appropriate balance with the author's words. VERDICT An excellent book for a simple read-aloud in a primary setting or as an independent choice for a beginning reader. Some friendships do not last forever, it is okay to fly solo, and new friendships come when you least expect them; these are comforting and relatable lessons for any child struggling with loss or change.--Kerra Mazzariello

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.