Ira Crumb Makes a Pretty Good Friend by Naseem Hrab – ADVISABLE

Hrab, Naseem and Illustrated by Holinaty, Josh Ira Crumb Makes a Pretty Good Friend PICTURE BOOK. Owl Kid Books, 2017.  $18.95.  Content: G.

Ira is an awesome kid, but he knows that it will be challenging to make friends as the new kid in his school. He comes up with a variety of ways to meet the other kids, like giving out free sandwiches and a dance off. When those don’t work and he has given up, a new and very unexpected friend speaks up. Features large bright illustrations.

This book has just darling illustrations that are large enough to share with a group. The story is pretty funny, especially the new friend part, I can already hear students laughing out loud. Readers will also enjoy the booger part! I have read quite a few books that follow this similar new kid plot: create ploys to gain friends, doesn’t work, give up, a new friendship is accidental. I would really like to see some real world advice, like say hi, don’t give up, ask to be included, and smile. In the real world Friendship is sometime accidental but it mostly comes out of being friendly and kind and most of all being yourself.

EL(K-3) –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.