ROOT BEER AND BANANA

A girl’s simple act of kindness leads to a new friendship in this quiet, utterly satisfying summer story. One hot afternoon, Granddaddy and Molly pack up their fishing rods and drive to Mister Mac’s General Store where Molly takes her time staring at the ice pops in the freezer deciding if she wants root beer or banana. Then she sees a little girl wearing a patched dress waving from beneath the willow tree across the street. The girl’s name is Miracle and she tells Molly she’s come to buy an ice pop with a nickel she found on the road. Miracle selects root beer, but Molly knows the ice pops cost a dime so she artfully arranges for Granddaddy to treat them both. When Molly suggests she will give Miracle half her banana ice pop in return for half of Miracle’s, the two girls are on the way to becoming friends. Soft, realistic gouache illustrations dappled with summer shadow and sunlight nicely reflect the melodic text and mellow mood. A refreshing summer treat. (Picture book. 5-8)