We Are Going To Be Pals! by Mark Teague - ADVISABLE

We Are Going To Be Pals! by Mark Teague. PICTURE BOOK Beach Lane Books. 2023. $19. 9781665911863 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

An egret lands on a rhinoceros. He introduces himself and talks about how they are going to be in a symbiotic relationship or pals. The egret continues to talk, talk, and talk to the Rhino about how they can help each other. The rhino says nothing. The egret tries riding on the rhino's horn but is thrown off. The egret then talks to the rhino about respecting personal boundaries, and how that makes a friendship work. The egret continues to talk and make jokes to the rhinoceros while the rhino stays silent. One day the egret wanders off and gets stuck in quicksand. The rhino comes over and lifts out the bird with his horn. The egret talks about how kindness, loyalty, and honesty are what pals are all about. 

We Are Going to be Pals is a creative and clever book about a symbiotic relationship between an egret and a rhinoceros. The text uses large words and concepts, and the narrative may be above the understanding of small children. Older children and adults will catch Teague's clever humor and lessons on how to be a good friend. The illustrations are well done and enjoyable. 

 PGPowers