Ethan’s move to Emily’s town gives both children a chance to practice making and being a good friend. Ethan’s fears of being a newcomer are assuaged when Emily arrives (with her parents and a plate of cookies) to introduce herself. She offers to help unload the moving van and shows Ethan around town. Soon the two are inseparable. They use their manners and respect wherever they go, sharing, being considerate, listening, helping to clean up, cheering each other on, using their magic words and helping each other out. The narration tells rather than shows readers how Ethan and Emily are being good friends. Björkman’s brightly colored watercolor-and-ink illustrations add a welcome touch of levity to the overearnest text; readers will especially enjoy the antics of the two dogs. Small vignettes allow the artwork to match the many activities of the characters. Readers who need some brushing up on making and keeping friends may find this latest in the Emily Post series helpful, although others may find Emily and Ethan’s role-model-perfect manners more than a bit too much. (Picture book. 4-7)
