The Friend
By Sarah Stewart
Illustrator: David Small

     This is an interesting book, more for adults than children, by a celebrated husband and wife team. It is always a delight to see David Small’s art. His portrayal of little Annabelle Bernadette Clementine Dodd is lively and engaging. Her friend and caretaker, Bea, is depicted with a gentle, loving dignity that makes this a touching story for any adult. Sarah Stewart’s text in this rhyming picture book is a bit more challenging and depends heavily upon the illustrations for clarity. I tried reading the story to my daughter and she frequently had trouble understanding the poetic text – it is definitely not a small child’s book. It’s difficult to read aloud smoothly without practice and a rough reading doesn’t capture the lyrical poetry – it really is a book for adults and older children who can read for themselves. It’s a very personal work, a memoir and a tribute to someone from Stewart’s young life. Anyone who remembers a special caretaker from childhood will love this lyrical, sentimental memoir.