Billy and Rose: Just the Way They Are: Candlewick Sparks
Description
Billy and Rose are prone to serious discussion in their second outing about the ups and downs of negotiating friendship.
The diligent sheep and the mellow pig who debuted in Billy and Rose: Forever Friends are back—and they have strong opinions! Even best friends can disagree, whether the topic is books (tall blue books versus fat red ones), rain (will it or won’t it?), the perils of a bad hair day (should Rose concur that Billy is having one?), or the incendiary question of which flavor of cupcake is best. Sharing—books and a purple umbrella, compliments and cupcakes (two flavors)—is the antidote to seriousness in this second set of four witty stories to feature the endearing pair. Kady MacDonald Denton’s warm and spirited illustrations complement Amy Hest’s gentle study of friends as they debate the important issues of the day—and reap the rewards of compromise.
Praise for Billy and Rose: Just the Way They Are: Candlewick Sparks
Beginning readers who enjoyed Billy and Rose: Forever Friends (2022) will welcome this equally charming sequel. Written with the simplicity of empathy, it makes the point that friends may not agree on everything, as long as they care about each other. Denton's gentle ink-and-watercolor illustrations portray Billy and Rose with soft, spring colors and the graceful, expressive positions and movements of dancers. A beguiling choice for beginning readers.
—Booklist
Gentle words and fluid watercolor-and-ink illustrations remind readers how special friendship is. . . . Patterns within the stories will help early readers break into reading. . . but what stands out is how Billy and Rose clearly and calmly verbalize their opinions and model sharing, compromise, acceptance, and respecting individual differences. . . . A treasure trove of social-emotional skills.
—Kirkus Reviews
Charming illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to ‘Billy & Rose: Just the Way They Are’ — a delightful story of friendship and how differences are not a barrier to getting along with one another.
—The Reading Eagle
