My Best Friend

Another fantastic picture book by the wonderful Rob Hodgson. If you loved The Cave by the same author, you will not be disappointed by this wonderful new book. Cleverly crafted with a delightful story line, a lovely message at the end and humour for the grown ups; this story has something for everyone.

My BEST Friend tells the story of mouse who wants to tell you all about his best friend, Giant Owl. One day when mouse was walking along, Giant Owl brought mouse to live at his tree and they've been best friends ever since... or so mouse likes to think. The illustrations cleverly tell the other side of the story. While Mouse believes he and Giant Owl have so much fun together playing games, the illustrations cleverly tell the story from another perspective. As the story continues Giant Owl is clearly getting very tired and fed up of 'playing'...

This is a lovely story that teaches children that best friends can be very different from each other. The story teaches the lesson that first impressions are not always the right one and also if you are kind and nice, eventually everyone will love you.  The illustrations enable this story to be understood from Giant Owl's perspective, whilst the narrative tells the story from mouse's perspective. Giant Owl doesn't have a voice so, from a teaching perspective, it might be nice to re-tell the story from Giant Owl's perspective.

One element my daughter (aged 4) particularly loves are the tiny details in the illustrations. On every page there is a pink worm wearing a bowler hat and a yellow worm that move around, getting up to all sorts. My daughter loves trying to spot the worms and giggling at what they are up to.  An excellent addition to the book shelf and a great bed time read.

Picture book / Reviewed by Joanna Hewish, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+

What a treat for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, from Rob Hodgson. He is best known for the comical picture book 'The Cave' and I anticipate that this one will bring even more hype.  

My BEST Friend is an endearing, amusing and comical book. I have no doubt that everyone can enjoy this story and chuckle along with it.  I could tell this story was going to be somewhat unique when I read the opening page, 'Hello! I'm Mouse and I want to tell you about my best friend', and you turn the page to discover that his best friend is in fact an owl! What an unlikely friendship...!

I quickly learnt how important the illustrations were in this story. I noticed the joy on Mouse's face whilst he is hunted and kept by an owl who, you quickly realise, has an ulterior motive. Of course, Giant Owl loves Mouse so much that he even provides him with a home - a locked cage, where he holds the key. You can only assume what will happen next!

This story is a real page turner. The tension and excitement urges you to read it quickly and glance around the corner of the coming page! With a hidden pink worm and green curly caterpillar hidden on each page with a 'friendship' of their own, this book lends itself perfectly to re-reading and enjoying a game of 'hide and seek'.

This book has fast become a favourite of mine which I will reach for time and time again. Everybody needs to have a moment to laugh and chuckle which is exactly what this book provides. This book is read best when enjoyed by a group of people who can all 'uh oh' and laugh together. This is THE perfect book to read in our current climate! Highly recommended!

Picture book / Reviewed by Jessica Bunney, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+