One of the most difficult things to watch with your kids, is when they lose friendships due to friends moving away, or changing schools. And, in our situation, we homeschool, so the girls make friends with kids at classes they attend, not knowing if they will see them again at the next class session. It is hard trying to not only teach our kids about the true meaning of friendship, but also letting them learn on their own the importance of friendship. As they grow older and develop both emotional and socially, they will go through phases where they will have to say bye to old friends, while also mustering up the courage to make new friends. Hopefully some of these friendships will last a long time, and they can use these friendship bonds to help take on new challenges life puts in front of them, together with their friends.
"Button and Bundle" is a cute new picture book by Gretchen McLellan, which is perfect for children ages 4-8 years old. It introduces kids to two best friends who are inseparable. In addition to spending all their time together, they also have two plush dolls they bring along and play with. But, one day Button has to move away. The girls don't know what they will do without each other, and try to hang on to their friend. Once Button settles into her new home, she realizes just how much her friendship with Bundle really meant, and misses her so much. One day while out in the yard, she attaches her beloved doll to a balloon and sets it free. She hopes the balloon will carry her doll to Bundle and her beloved plush doll, so that the three will be reunited again, and mend their broken heart. This small act of kindness seems to mend Button's broken heart, and helps her move on, and see that there are new friends to be made. Even though she is far away from Bundle, she can still cherish the bond and friendship they had, and maybe one day they will meet up again.
But, in the meantime, Button has made a new friend, and that friend shares a cute plush unicorn, just like hers with her, and they forge a new friendship, similar to the one Button and Bundle had, with their dolls, and the story ends on a happy note.
This really is a cute story to share with young children about friendships, and how they need to cherish old friendships, while also leaving room for new ones. My girls really liked this book, and could relate to the friendship theme. They have had to say goodbye to old friends they thought would be around for a long time, but have also been blessed with new friends, they are happy to have found, and enjoy their company. Friends really do make your life much more fun and enjoyable, and this book will warm your heart and remind even the parents that you are never to old to make a new friend. I highly recommend this picture book available now from Random House Kids. If you like filling your kid's Easter basket with non-candy gifts, why not consider picking up this book and adding it to their basket. It will make for a great bedtime read, and become an instant hit with your kids. They will want to read it over and over again, and admire the whimsical illustrations that fill the pages of this book, and help bring the story of friendship to life.
More about this book:
"A tender story about two best friends who must move away from each other. With a sprinkle of imagination and a lot of love, Button and Bundle will learn the true meaning of friendship.
Button and Bundle are best friends. So are their dolls.
But when Button has to move away, she’s sad and lonely without Bundle.
Until one day, Button finds a single yellow balloon and an idea. With a little luck, maybe she can reunite Bundle with their dolls again!
Knowing that her faraway friend would be happy is the happiest idea of all.
This sweet and charming friendship story addresses how to cherish old friendships while making new ones. With fun, imaginative play, Button and Bundle create a world they’ll share no matter how far apart they are."
Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
Thank you so much, Savannah, for your kind words and high recommendations for Button and Bundle. I'm glad it found a way to your and your daughters' hearts.
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