The Horn Book Guide

PICTURE BOOKS

Crimi, Carolyn

Don't Need Friends

32 pp. | Doubleday | October, 1999 | Trade ISBN 0-385-32643-2 $$15.95

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. In a story that neatly avoids sentimentality, Rat gives up on friendship after his best friend moves away. He's rude to all the animals--including the new guy, Dog, who's just as grumpy as he. Rat and Dog's slow-to-grow friendship is humorously and believably conveyed in a fine melding of art and text: while their words continue to be gruff, loneliness and concern for the other are apparent on their faces.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1999