MY BEST FRIEND

At the pool each week, six-year-old Lily tries to impress and emulate seven-year-old Tamika. But Tamika and her best friend Shanice alternately ignore her or tease her. One marvelous day when Shanice is not there, Tamika plays with Lily, but the next week Shanice is back and Lily is relegated to baby status again. All this time Keesha, who is also six, is just waiting to be Lily’s friend. Lily is charming and strong-minded with a happy, hopeful nature. Rodman is attuned to the feelings of young children who are just beginning to navigate the labyrinths of friendships. She wisely allows Lily to tell her own story and reach her own conclusions. Lewis fills his bright watercolor paintings with summer light that bounces off the water. Lily’s actions and emotions are the focus of each illustration, while the background is slightly blurred as if the reader is squinting in the sun. Lovely. (Picture book. 4-7)