Bink and Gollie by Kate DiCamillo, Alison McGhee and illustrated by Tony Fucile Published by Candlewick Press: Massachusetts, 2010
Bink and Gollie are unlikely best friends. Bink is a short, messy, unsophisticated girl who loves bright socks and her fish, Fred. Gollie is tall, chic, loves pancakes and imaginary adventures. This is an easy to read brilliantly illustrated story of the exploits of these friends.
- Appropriate target audience: Children ages 6-8
- Strengths: This book is easy to read because the dialogue of Bink and Gollie is paired with Tony Fucile’s supporting illustrations. There are few words on a page. Even reluctant readers would be drawn into the best friend’s witty banter and fun adventures.
- Weaknesses: As this book serves as an early reader, it lacks a basic story line. The dialogue propels the story and there are running themes but not a cohesive beginning, middle, and end of the story.
- Meaningful/creative uses: 1. To celebrate Bink’s obsession with bright socks, have a large pile of socks to decorate and then (of course) wear to have a Sock Bonanza! Have sequins, glitter, markers, pom balls- easy sew needles and thread as well as glue. Take a picture of kids in their socks and post them in a display around the book.
- Have a pancake cooking class to honor Gollie’s love of pancakes. Children could use different cookbooks to create their own recipes – sprinkles, chocolate chips, blueberries, etc.
- Awards: Theodor Geisel Award 2011
- Read-a-likes: Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Chris VanDusen Published by Candlewick Press: Massachusetts, 2009
Mercy Watson is an animated, fun, trouble-loving pig in this easy reader by Kate DiCamillo. Mercy loves to ride in Mr. Watson’s pink Cadillac. One day, she actually tries to drive it by jumping in Mr. Watson’s lap. This fun and silly adventure will delight young readers.
The Princess in Black by Shannon and Dean Hale and illustrated by LeUyen Pham Published by Candlewick Press: Massachusetts, 2015.
Princess Magnolia transforms into the Princess in Black when the monster alarm sounds. This unusual princess wears a black cape and mask to fight the monsters. Even though readers are privy to her secret identity, it is truly a secret in this fun series for young readers.