Tag Archives: friendship fiction

Jeanie & Genie: the First Wish, written by Trish Granted and illustrated by Manuela Lopez

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Jeanie is a model student in her Rivertown Elementary School 2nd grade class – she’s quiet, attentive and follows all the rules. One day, a new girl named Willow joins the class. Willow is not like Jeanie at all! She’s talkative, messy, creative and a genie. Yep, a genie! Of course, Jeanie is the only one that knows and that’s because the girls became great friends first. What will happen next?

This first book in a series serves as a nice introduction to these likable, unlikely friends. Pencil illustrations are scattered throughout and the text is well-spaced and larger, making this an appropriate read for those earlier chapter book readers. The characters are diverse and fun and the story flows nicely. This is a nice addition to collections that need an update. Recommended.

A Day So Gray

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Two little girls look out the window at the snow. One sees only gray. But, as they walk outside, her friend shows her the blues, browns and silvers. They move about, one seeing only a single dull color and the other revealing the beauty of all the colors around it. The story ends with the girls in front of a cozy fire with their blanket and cat, drinking brown (white and grey) cocoa together.

Illustrations are beautifully rendered, with crisply drawn elements on soft background tones. The two friends’ attitudes are clear in their stances. One girl sees only single, drab colors as she stands with arms crossed or a frown. Her friend smiles as she notices all the other colors around them.

This is a story that serves to remind us that there is more than what we first notice. It could be colors or the positive around us. We just have to see them! Highly recommended.

The Bear Must Go on

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Bear and his friends (Squirrel, Other Squirrel and Rabbit) work together to prepare a really big show for their forest friends. This includes a sparkly curtain, tiny hats for birds and shiny tickets. Bear keeps meticulous notes as the self-appointed “note taker”, because he does not want to perform (he’s nervous). Frenzied preparations ensue and bear takes lots of notes. The big night arrives and all the forest creatures are waiting in the audience. There’s one problem, though. They forgot to write a show! Oh, no!!!

Luckily, Bear comes through and mentions that he has a song that he created. They beg him to perform and he finally agrees. The forest creatures love it! The show is a success! Thanks goodness for Bear.

The story moves along at a quick pace, helped along by the illustrations, some in comic panel-like sequences. Colors are bright and energetic and Bear’s notes are front and center a few times, which help with the busyness of the story. Bear’s nervousness is acknowledged and his bravery in going up to the stage to sing is noted. Maybe, this story will encourage some human friends to work together and put on a show! Recommended.