A New Friend for Marmalade by Alison Reynolds -- ADVISABLE

Reynolds, Alison A New Friend for Marmalade, illustrated by Heath McKenzie. PICTURE BOOK. Little Simon, 2013. $15.99. Content: G.

Ella, Maddy, and their cat Marmalade do everything together, but when a new neighbor comes crashing in -- literally -- the girls have to decide how to let someone else into their circle.

Ella and Maddy's frustration is understandable and easy to sympathize with, as friendship adjustments are often difficult, and their kindness and willingness to adapt and forgive set a good example. The illustrations have a wonderfully quirky feel to them, as do the formatting and font choices, and they complement the text perfectly.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Caryn