FICTION

Harry and Walter

by Kathy STINSON
illus. by Qin Leng. 32p. Annick. Mar. 2016. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9781554518029.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1—Harry and Walter live next door to each other and are best buds. They play croquet, garden tomatoes, jump in autumn leaves, and make paper airplanes. The only unusual aspect of their friendship is that Harry is four and Walter is 92. When Harry has to move away, he is heartbroken and lonely in his new house without his pal. Luckily, two years later Walter moves into an apartment building up the street and the pair resume their friendship. Leng's airy cartoony illustrations are slightly reminiscent of James Stevenson's, their dynamic black outlines deftly capturing the gamut of emotions of the duo's bond.
VERDICT A sweet and tender story that shows age difference is no detriment to true friendship. A good choice to share with a small group or for one-on-one enjoyment.
Reviewed by Yelena Alekseyeva-Popova, formerly at Chappaqua Library, NY
In this heartwarming story of intergenerational best friends, neighbors Harry (age "four and three-quarters") and Walter (age "ninety-two and a half") enjoy playing together and learning from each other year-round. Harry is lonely after his family moves to a new neighborhood, but an unexpected surprise awaits him. Alongside the concise narration and dialogue, the simple yet detailed illustrations contain soft colors and exuberant movements.
 , May 01, 2016

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