DARLENE MEETS A NEW FRIEND
by Monica J. Brown illustrated by Sudipta Basu
A hippopotamus invites her animal pals to meet a new friend in Brown’s picture book.
On a noisy, red electric scooter, Darlene and her best friend, Pete, “a large brown tree spider,” zip through the jungle, startling the other animal inhabitants. Darlene wants to spread the word about a special upcoming event. She instructs creatures like Mr. Rooster and Mrs. Hen, a monkey named Charlie, and more to gather by the waterfall to meet a new friend. Darlene makes sure to include everyone in her plans; she even invites water-dweller Fred, an alligator. Darlene says, “A new friend is coming today….Everybody is welcome. Don’t be shy….They’ll be glad to meet you.” The animals congregate and wait for the newcomer. The narrator asks readers, “Can you guess who Darlene’s new friend is?...That’s Right! It’s You!...We’re glad you came too! Hello New Friend!” This cheerful story encourages kindness and welcoming others. It also emphasizes a supportive community. Quirky aspects like Darlene’s scooter have a fun kid appeal. Basu’s flat illustrations are cartoonish and vibrant, depicting blue skies, green scenery, and an array of animals that joyously inhabit their habitat. Some imagery is repeated on the page, and the text isn’t integrated into the art. Darlene wears clothes; the other animals do not. Amusing background details, like a mouse riding a scooter, occur throughout.
An interactive animal story that encourages friendship and inclusiveness.