Evelyn and Avery: The Art of Friendship

Gr 2-4–Evelyn has been looking forward to the local art show for a while, and she can’t wait to work on her project at Picnic Hill Park with her friends, Dylan and Avery. When Dylan struggles to come up with an idea, Evelyn suggests that they work together to submit an entry as a team. Dylan jumps at the idea of a group project, while Avery reluctantly agrees. Their differences in opinion quickly becomes clear, as the two continue to argue until they both angrily storm off in different directions. To make everyone happy, Evelyn agrees to help Dylan and Avery with their separate projects, leaving Evelyn no time to make her own. The friendship drama comes to a head when Dylan and Avery realize that Evelyn has been helping both of them all along. While Evelyn’s world looks a little different than our own—many of the characters, including Avery, are anthropomorphic animals—the emotions will feel familiar. Strong feelings rise to the surface, reflective of the real-life emotions that occur when there is drama in young friend groups. Tear-filled eyes, as well as happy hugs, make regular appearances.