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Don't Need Friends (by Carolyn Crimi)

common sense media says

Undeniably sweet tale avoids being saccharine.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the story line is greatly enhanced by the illustrations, which sympathetically portray the lives and looks of the junkyard creatures without sentimentalizing them.

Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.

More on Don't Need Friends

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about friendship and why we need friends. Why does Rat deny his need for friends at first? What convinces him that he really does need friends in his life?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Rat lives in a friendly community of junkyard-dwelling animals, but when his best friend leaves, he becomes bitter and aloof. He meets his match in a new arrival, Dog, who is even more antisocial than he is. Exploring ideas of community and friendship, the story shows how individuals can deal with hurt and can bravely form new attachments.

 

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Author Carolyn Crimi looks at one of the ways in which we try to protect ourselves from hurt and disappointment. Children can readily see that Rat's attempt to deny his need for friends is self-defeating, but they also sympathize with his bluff and are touched when Rat and Dog gain enough trust to reveal (rather backhandedly) the kind hearts beneath their rough exteriors.

Although undeniably sweet, the story avoids being saccharine. Much of the credit goes to the illustrations, which effectively convey the atmosphere of the junkyard and the personalities of the characters. The scruffy denizens of the junkyard are a refreshing change from the many cuddly, bucolic animals usually residing in children's literature. Rats, possums, pigeons, and ownerless dogs: They live on the edges of "official" society in their own messy but companionable world, preoccupied with food and warmth -- both physical and emotional. Rather like children, in fact.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Carolyn Crimi
Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger
Publisher: Apple
Publication date: January 1, 1999
Number of pages: 30
Paperback price: $6.99

This review was written by Linda Rahm-Crites
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age