To Annabella Pelican from Thomas Hippopotamus - Hardcover

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- Annabella Pelican and Thomas Hippopotamus are good friends who enjoy doing things together, yet respect one another's differences (she likes to fly around looking for fish, while he watches and takes it easy). The first part of the book sets the scene, describing their activities throughout the year in a pastoral small town. But then, Annabella tells Thomas that she is moving away, and the rest of the tale deals with his reactions to the news--from anger, to withdrawal, to sadness. When he revisits their old haunts, though, happy memories cheer him up. The story closes with Thomas writing a letter: ``a very, very long one--to Annabella Pelican, his good friend far away.'' This is an attractively illustrated and designed book, with a plot grounded in personality and concrete detail. The old-fashioned clothing and settings add interest. The dynamic full-color watercolors are bordered with flowing lines; the action spills out of them frequently, enhancing the bouncy mood. Unfortunately, the resolution is too wholeheartedly upbeat, and some of the language occasionally lapses into a cloyingly childish tone. Stick with the many other excellent picture books on this topic. --Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Pub . Lib . , IL
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