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Bink & Gollie
- By Alison McGhee, Kate DiCamillo
- Genre: Friendship
Common Sense Media says
Friendship flourishes in fun graphic novel for younger set.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this collection of three humorous adventures of two unlikely best friends is somewhere between a picture book and a graphic novel. It offers plenty of opportunity to discuss friendship, jealousy, and even taking care of pets. Older readers will relate to the tender stories of two girls working out their friendship, and all will appreciate the expressive artwork that pulls it all together.
What's the story?
Two girls, who seem very different in many respects, learn what it takes to become "marvelous companions" in three stories that show the ups and downs of friendship. Bink seems like the younger of the two, and Gollie older and more mature -- but both girls have lessons to learn about compromise, personal space, and dealing with jealous feelings. In one story, for example, Gollie feels competitive with Bink's new pet fish.
Is it any good?
Kids will love Bink and warm to Gollie. One is impish, playful, and spontaneous, like most kids; the other more independent, thoughtful, and a little stand-offish (though she makes great pancakes!) Even the way they walk, talk, and tie their roller-skates says something about them. The stories are engagingly light and silly, but readers will get a feel for the pain of trying to make a friendship work, especially when you are a kid. The text is minimal but just enough to get the point across; the vocabulary is expressive and the artwork fills in the emotion.
The story is warm and cuddly cute, but the illustrations are truly what make this book captivating. Tony Fucile's digitally composed artwork is animated with just enough clever, quirky, expressive detail to make the story fascinating. Putting that golden dot under the ice in the frozen pond was a stroke of genius.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the illustrations show us how different the girls are. What can
you tell about them from the cover, even before you begin the story?Bink and Gollie are pretty different -- but they are still the best of friends. Why do you think they get along so well? Can you think of other books about friends who are opposites?
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AGE
great book
My son and I loved the book, it was funny, full of pictures and a joy to read. Can't wait for the next adventure.
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AGE
Funny, great drawings, engaging
Wonderful story. Little brother and big sister - great to showcase feelings and love.
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| Authors: | Alison McGhee, Kate DiCamillo |
| Illustrator: | Tony Fucile |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Friendship |
| Publisher: | Candlewick Press |
| Publication date: | September 14, 2010 |
| Number of pages: | 96 |
| Hardcover price: | $15.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 8 |
| Read aloud: | 4 |
| Read alone: | 6 |
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