From Publishers Weekly
As rendered in Smith's sparkling watercolors, Mrs. de Vere is a small woman who lives in a large house. Every day she crosses the park to the beach, where she confides to the waves that she wants company. Mr. Derry is a big man who lives in a little cottage. On his daily walks, he, too, crosses the park, traveling in the opposite direction; he tells the stone mermaid in the fountain in town that he would like someone to walk along the beach with. When both people go to the dog pound for a companion, Mrs. de Vere chooses a big, shaggy dog, while Mr. Derry selects a tiny dog that "looked like a feather duster." The next day, the two dogs recognize each other as they are being walked in the park. In the ensuing excitement and commotion, Mr. Derry and Mrs. de Vere get tangled in the leashes: the clever pets have united their lonely owners. Adults and children alike will delight in this warm, comforting story, as they root for the inevitable pairing of a thoroughly engaging hero and heroine. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Library Binding
edition.
From School Library Journal
Making Friends is a book well worth meeting. What could have been a trite plot, the "accidental meeting" of two lonely people arranged by their clever dogs, is changed by Mahy's dancing prose and Smith's equally lively ink and watercolor drawings into a celebration of friendship. Mrs. de Vere is lonely in her big home by the opera house; Mr. Derry is lonely in his very small cottage by the sea. For company, they both acquire dogs from the local pound, Titania and Oberon who, as their names suggest, befriend befuddled mortals and arrange their affairs for them. When the dogs see each other while on a walk, they entangle their owners in their leashes and lives. Smith's illustrations are reminiscent of Ardizzone's, capturing aspects of the friendship as the characters walk through a bustling city, down a lonely beach, and ultimately tango across the dance floor together. One hopes Mahy and Smith will introduce readers to others of their acquaintance. --Kathleen Whalin, formerly at Public Library of Columbus and Franklin County, OH
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Library Binding
edition.
