Description
A heartwarming picture book about a young boy whose only friend, a butternut squash, helps him create a rich and imaginative world for himself, ultimately leading him to a new human friend.
Alex’s best friend is a butternut squash. They play pretend all day long. Sometimes his butternut squash is a baby. Alex pushes him in a stroller all around town. Sometimes his butternut squash is a pirate.They have spectacular swordfights! Sometimes Alex thinks that his butternut squash might like to join the other kids in the playground, but he doesn’t want his squash to get his hopes up. What if the other kids don't want to play with him? Then one day, they meet someone new. Could Alex and his butternut squash have found a new friend?
Alex’s best friend is a butternut squash. They play pretend all day long. Sometimes his butternut squash is a baby. Alex pushes him in a stroller all around town. Sometimes his butternut squash is a pirate.They have spectacular swordfights! Sometimes Alex thinks that his butternut squash might like to join the other kids in the playground, but he doesn’t want his squash to get his hopes up. What if the other kids don't want to play with him? Then one day, they meet someone new. Could Alex and his butternut squash have found a new friend?
Author Bio
Heather Smith is the author of several picture books, including the award-winning The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota's Garden. Her middle-grade novel The Boy, the Cloud and the Very Tall Tale has been named a Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year and her picture book Waking Ben Doldrums was shortlisted for the IBBY Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award and won the IBBY Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities award. Originally from Newfoundland, Heather now lives in Waterloo, Ontario, with her family.
After graduating with a degree in Art Education from Concordia University, Kass Reich worked for three years in Beijing as an early childhood educator --- that's what inspired her to start making picture books. Her previous picture books include Dr. Coo and the Pigeon Protest and the Megabat series. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Review Quotes
"An engaging tribute to the value of best friends no matter what shape they take." —Kirkus Reviews
"A tender take on childhood imaginary friends, this tale will appeal to those who feel anxious around peers or struggle to fit in. . . . This is a reassuring ode to unusual, not-altogether-imaginary friendships that many apprehensive readers will relate to." —School Library Journal
"Seeds of friendship of all varieties are cultivated and celebrated in this nurturing and lovable picture book." —Booklist
"A tender take on childhood imaginary friends, this tale will appeal to those who feel anxious around peers or struggle to fit in. . . . This is a reassuring ode to unusual, not-altogether-imaginary friendships that many apprehensive readers will relate to." —School Library Journal
"Seeds of friendship of all varieties are cultivated and celebrated in this nurturing and lovable picture book." —Booklist
Biographical note
HEATHER SMITH is the author of four published YA novels; three middle-grade novels, the most recent of which, Tig, has received two starred reviews and was shortlisted for the OLA Red Maple Award; and seven picture books: Angus All Aglow, A Plan for Pops, The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota’s Garden, Slowpoke the Bell Island Mine Horse, Annie’s Cat is Sad, Waking Ben Doldrums and Granny Left Me a Rocket Ship. The books in her body of work have either won or been shortlisted for virtually every Canadian children's literature prize, and been translated into eight languages. She lives with her family in Waterloo, Ontario.
KASS REICH was born in Montreal, Quebec. She works as an artist and educator and has spent the majority of the last decade traveling and living abroad. She now finds herself back in Canada, but this time in Toronto. Kass loves illustrating books for all ages, including the Megabat chapter book series, Sergeant Billy, Carson Crosses Canada and Hamsters Holding Hands.
KASS REICH was born in Montreal, Quebec. She works as an artist and educator and has spent the majority of the last decade traveling and living abroad. She now finds herself back in Canada, but this time in Toronto. Kass loves illustrating books for all ages, including the Megabat chapter book series, Sergeant Billy, Carson Crosses Canada and Hamsters Holding Hands.
