Bink and Gollie by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee

Booktalk version: Bink and Gollie have their differences, but they are friends, who always find ways to remain friends while working out ways to compromise so everyone is happy. Throughout the chapters, the two friends play, share meals, and have adventures together, discovering that no matter their differences, friends are friends for a reason: they like each other.

Full-length version: Bink and Gollie, written by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile, is part of a recent publication of many low-level books that look like chapter books, intended for beginning readers. Many of these titles are in the format of the Frog and Toad series, with three short stories or chapters, heavily illustrated, but having coherent and interesting storylines. Students love to carry these smaller, longer books around as they transition from picture books to chapter books, often in 1st or 2nd grade. Kate DiCamillo has had success previously, not only with her Newbery-winning book The Tale of Despereaux, but with her Mercy Watson series for younger readers.

Bink and Gollie are friends who live near each other, at the foot of a tree and in the tree itself. They have their differences, but throughout the book, whether they are rollerskating or adventuring together, they find a way to resolve their differences and remain friends. The illustrations are charming and add detail to the simple story. Readers who like Frog and Toad, Amelia Bedelia, and Nate the Great would find this a charming addition to their book stack.