heatherbermingham's review against another edition
4.0
I'd give the story 3 stars and the illustrations 5 stars - the panel where Alice names Beekle! - so I'm going to average out to 4 stars. I love the page where Beekle and Alice figure out how to make friends.
autumn_devries's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book is a Caldecott Winner. The story starts off on an island with an imaginary friend who is looking for his real friend in the city. This book is full of adventure and a happy ending.
hanlapham's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
Category: Caldecott Winner
Title: The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend
Author / Illustrator: Dan Santat
Date Published: April 8, 2014
Age Appropriateness:
- I think this is a really great book about patience and waiting for the good things to come. I do think older students would find it a little bit silly and not take it seriously, so I would recommend students between K-2nd grade.
Summary:
- This story is about Beekle (a made-up being) waiting his turn to be chosen by a kid to be their imaginary friend. Beekle waits and waits, eventually taking matters into his own hands. As he leaves his world, Beekle faces many scary obstacles and unfamiliar circumstances until he finally gets to the real world. During these obstacles, Beekle expresses that the only thing keeping him going was the idea of his friend waiting for him. When Beekle first got to the real world, he was disappointed in the adults and was worried about facing unfamiliar things and people. While in the real world, he looked everywhere waiting, hoping his friend would come to find him but nobody was coming. Until a girl appears and he meets his new friend Alice. After Beekle and Alice meet, they go on adventures together and they are happy.
Review:
- I think this is a cute story about not giving up hope. It can often feel like our time waiting is taking forever. For kids, they might think “why does everyone else get a turn but I don’t” or “why is it taking so long and they find the answers quickly.” Beekle demonstrates to the reader that perseverance, patience, and gratitude goes a long way for making new friends and getting to the next step. In a public school this would be a great opportunity to talk about patience, and knowing that sometimes pain is there to prepare us for the joy coming (Romans 8:18). It gives little bits of God’s character in a very simple way that would be easy to discuss without getting into trouble.
mfrisk's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
This is a super quick read that is a sweet book about imaginary friends and the kids who come to love them and learn about friendship and navigating the world around them.
daniellesalwaysreading's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting story about an imaginary who never gets a child so he takes matters into his own hands and goes in search of a friend in the real world. The pictures are beautiful and it would be a great read one-on-one with a child. Not necessarily good for storytime because the story is told in smallish pictures.
tracylou's review against another edition
5.0
This tale about an imaginary creature who seeks out his real world pal is a great read aloud. It keeps a charming nature without being cloyingly sappy about making friends, creative ability, or growth mindset. I would use this for my entire K-6 crowd.
wiseowl33's review against another edition
4.0
Very cute. Love the idea of the imaginary friends. Very fun story.
shighley's review against another edition
4.0
Gorgeous book, definitely one to read over again and discuss. Even the paper feels rich. My only quibble: why does it have to be a "nerdy" girl with glasses who finally imagines him?
dawnoftheread's review against another edition
5.0
http://www.unshelved.com/bookclub/2014-11-21#9780316199988