Dr. Toughlove really enjoyed reviewing Even Better than Sprinkles, a wonderful story about friendship. Enjoy!
School bells are ringing (well maybe not literally) all across our country as students return to school after summer vacation. Reading, Writing and Arithmetic are considered by some to be the essentials of school learning. However, very often children look forward to returning to school to reunite with friends they may not have seen during the summer. Developing friendships at any age, but particularly for children, is a very important skill. With this in mind, Dr. Toughlove decided to put a spotlight on a delightful book entitled Even Better Than Sprinkles: A Story About Best Friends, written by Linda Skeers and illustrated by Heather Fox.
In this book, the two unnamed protagonists love each other’s imperfections and rejoice in each other victories. For example, a friend will dress up in your homemade unicorn costume, and not laugh when you sing off-key. For these two friends, friendship “feels like being hugged by a blanket right out of the dryer” (p.16).
Linda Skeers does not sugarcoat friendship and acknowledges that it can get tested and disagreements can ensue. Even Better than Sprinkles helps children understand that it is healthy to apologize for bad behavior and forgiveness is a virtue. Skeers uses very gentle words to convey these important behaviors. Dr. Toughlove would be remiss if she did not acknowledge the pictorial contributions of Heather Fox. Both Linda’s and Heather’s names appear on the cover of the book and with good reason. The illustrations are beautiful, engaging and age-appropriate. Splashes of variety include two-page layouts, multiple sentences and illustrations on one page, speech bubbles and so much more. In addition, the illustrations support and amplify the subtle and not so subtle messages embedded in the story. The combination of well written words and exquisite illustrations sets Even Better Than Sprinkles apart from many other picture books.
This book can serve as a catalyst to discuss with children how to be a good friend and what to do if they have a disagreement with a friend. The possibilities to work on positive peer relationships are ready-made when you share this book with children.
Even Better Than Sprinkles: A Story About Best Friends, written by Linda Skeers and illustrated by Heather Fox is suggested for readers aged 4-8 and can be found at your local library.