Release: March 1st, 2021
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company
Source: Publisher
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N
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A lonely rabbit, a quiet pinecone, and their perfect bond are tested in this charming picture book about compassion and friendship from debut author and illustrator Sandra Salsbury.
“Who is the Best Friend in the Whole World’? After reading this sweet, sensitive tale, children can decide for themselves.” —The New York Times.
Roland lives a quiet life filled with books, music, and tea parties for one, but sometimes he feels rather lonely. When Roland finds the perfect companion in Milton (Good listener! Enjoys music! Also alone!), he is overjoyed. It’s okay that Milton is just a pine cone; they have so much in common. But clues start popping up in the woods, suggesting someone else might be missing their best pine cone friend. Roland must decide if it’s worth leaving someone else in their loneliness to keep Milton in his life.
In this sweet and moving picture book about loneliness, friendship, compassion, debut author & illustrator Sandra Salsbury celebrates the transformative power of connection and the painful melancholy of loss. Endearingly classic illustrations bring a charming forest world to life.
About the Author:
Sandra Salsbury received the 2018 SCBWI Don Freeman Illustration Grant. She has a BFA and MFA in Illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She lives in Berkeley, California, where she cares for numerous house plants and a software engineer. Moreover, she enjoys hiking, snooping at open houses, and telling people what to do on the internet.
Sandra Salsbury received the 2018 SCBWI Don Freeman Illustration Grant. She has a BFA and MFA in Illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Furthermore, she lives in Berkeley, California, where she cares for numerous house plants and a software engineer. She enjoys hiking, snooping at open houses, and telling people what to do.
Best Friend in the Whole World Review:
“Best Friend in the Whole World” is one of the cutest children’s books I have read, and it touched my heart, even as an adult.
Firstly, I have to mention the beautiful illustrations. Illustrations are fundamental in children’s books, and the artwork is simply breath-taking! I was in awe of the beautiful watercolor illustrations. The colors were comfortable and pleasing, and the watercolor texture gave it a lovely look! The author is exceptionally talented at writing such a beautiful story and also doing the artwork.
Coming to the story, Roland is adorable. I think a person of any age group could relate to Roland’s loneliness, particularly those who find it difficult to make friends. Moreover, Roland is the perfect depiction of an introvert. As an introvert, I prefer solitude yet occasionally love to socialize with friends. However, there are times where I feel making friends as an adult is challenging. Hence, I could relate to Roland and thought The author portrayed his tale smoothly and memorably. The author also drew his expressions in such an attractive way. There were moments where I felt like going into the pages and hugging him. It is one of those books that impacted me, and I would fondly remember it.
Overall, “Best Friend in the Whole World” is a beautiful children’s book perfect for young readers who are shy and hesitant to make new friends. I highly recommend parents picking this one out to add to their children’s library.
