BE A FRIEND

An ordinary boy with an unusual hobby makes a new friend through extraordinary means.

In a departure from her playful animal characters, Yoon turns her talent toward friendship between young children. Sporting top hat, black-and-white–striped shirt, and white stage makeup, Dennis does not express himself like most children. While his classmates speak during show and tell, he mimes instead. His communication style isolates Dennis from other children. One lonely day, though, he kicks an imaginary ball into the path of a kindred spirit and discovers the world of friendship. While the book can be taken as an introduction to mime, its message focuses on embracing each person’s uniqueness by learning how he or she communicates. For children who are just noticing how their friends are different from them, Dennis’ experience is a launchpad for discussions of individuality. Yoon’s lively illustrations will encourage young readers to mime along with Dennis. Her use of red dotted lines to depict each pantomime will allow children to fill in the blanks using their imaginations. Adults will enjoy her eye for details, including a poster of Marcel Marceau in Dennis’ wardrobe.

A delightful story about the celebration of individuality and friendship.