OLD FRIENDS

by Lynne Barasch ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 13, 1998

Barasch (A Winter Walk, 1993, etc.) introduces the notion of reincarnation and demonstrates that friendship reaches beyond death, offering a comforting idea of what the afterlife may hold. Henrietta has outlived all her friends, and dearly misses her best friend since childhood, Anna. One day, she hears someone ask ""Henrietta, don't you know me?"" and it proves to be Anna, embodied in a furball of a Scottish terrier, out for a walk. Their daily walks together conjure up pleasant memories from the past, until one day, Henrietta does not arrive to walk Anna. A new dog appears on the scene, becoming fast friends with Anna, and leaving no doubt as to its true identity. Pen-and-ink drawings with a pale watercolor wash reflect the modesty of the text, though its emotions run deep and true. Literal-minded readers may have trouble with the more esoteric notion of returning after death in the form of an animal; in its tone and subject, this book is a kindred spirit to Margaret Wild's Old Pig, and may also require further explanation from caring adults.

Pub Date: April 13, 1998

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: "Farrar, Straus & Giroux"

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1998

Categories: CHILDREN'S