The Horn Book Guide

EASY READERS

Guest, Elissa Haden

Iris and Walter, True Friends

44 pp. | Harcourt/Gulliver | May, 2001 | Trade ISBN 0-15-202121-3 $$14.00

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Christine Davenier. In an opening chapter that's more a kid's wish-fulfillment fantasy than it is realistic, Walter helps his friend Iris ride the horse Rain, who is "fast and wild." That feat accomplished, the two bravely face the scary beginning of school; with Iris's support, Walter gets the teacher to stop calling him "Walt." Featuring spontaneous-looking illustrations, the second book in this series demonstrates Guest's understanding of the child's viewpoint.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert