MY NEIGHBOR FRANKIE

A young boy tells of his friendship with his neighbor Frankie, who’s “kind of old and walks with a stoop."

In this sweet story, originally published in Spain, the young narrator describes all the things that make his neighbor Frankie special. Frankie has lived a life full of adventure and excitement. Originally from South America, Frankie has “traveled across half the world” on all modes of transportation, and he’s worked in the circus and also the theater. But best of all, Frankie tells stories that leave young David sitting still and amazed. And sometimes, as Frankie sits at home, with his years and his memories and his many pets out of control, he says “all sorts of colorful things. From our house, we can hear just how mad he gets.” And whereas his mother seeks to reassure the boy Frankie is “just a crazy old guy,” the boy makes no judgment and accepts Frankie just as he is, showing a true understanding of the meaning of friendship. The stylized and playful artwork in saturated colors against mostly white backgrounds tends toward the surreal, full of playful angles, patterns, and details (such as the “colorful things” emanating from Frankie’s house). They depict the characters as White; David has blond hair, and Frankie has a prominent jaw and a bald head.

A charming story of intergenerational friendship.