Ella and Penguin: A Perfect Match

PreS-Gr 1—Ella wants her best friend, Penguin, to like everything she likes. The child thinks that friends should match in every way. However, when Penguin wears a tutu that's just like Ella's, he does not feel comfortable. When Penguin eats peppermint treats, just like Ella, he ends up spitting them out because they are so strong. When Penguin tries to finger paint, just like Ella, he can't bring himself to dip his fingers in the cup. As Ella dabs and dashes, swooshes and swishes, Penguin gets more and more upset. Finally, he admits that he doesn't share Ella's preferences, and the two conclude that they cannot continue their friendship. After shedding some tears, they come to the realization that friends do not have to be alike in all ways. The characters' emotions are portrayed through simple, expressive watercolors. Visibly joyful, Ella and Penguin revel in their differences.