Stories of friends tug at heart

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: "The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him."

Trust is such an important component in true friendship. Fortunately there are many who have learned to treat others the way they wish to be treated. The beauty of the human spirit propels us to forge on, hoping to discover new relationships that are real, filled with trust, and therefore, glorious.

Today's recommended books address the topic of friendship in a variety of ways, each conveying a glimmer of what we all seek -- friendship in its purest form, and that's worth reading about and pursuing, always!

Books to Borrow

The following book is available at many public libraries.

"Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia" by Barbara O'Connor, Farrar Straus Giroux, 122 pages

Read aloud: age 9 and older.

Read yourself: age 9 and older.

The moment Bird saw the new kid, Harlem Tate, she knew they were a lot alike -- misunderstood, treated like dirt, and avoided by just about everyone. Bird could tell Harlem needed a friend just as much as she did, so she made it her mission to be his friend, no matter what it might take. It wouldn't be easy, though; Harlem had a thick, protective wall around himself.

When the state spelling bee was announced with some big prizes for the winners, Bird asked Harlem to be her partner. Reluctant at first, he finally agreed and they began to study together every day. Their command of spelling grew, and so did their friendship. When the day of the spelling bee arrived, neither one had any idea that they would come away with the best prize of all -- true friendship.

Fast, funny, and full of moments that tug at the heart, this selection excels.

Librarian's Choice

Library: Venice Public Library, Sarasota County Library System, 300 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice

Library System Director: Sarabeth Kalajian

Manager/Venice: Ann Hall

Youth Manager: Joanne Lize

Choices this week: "Carl's Sleepy Afternoon" by Alexandra Day; "Henry and Mudge" by Cynthia Rylant; "Frindle" by Andrew Clements

Books to Buy

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.

"Melrose and Croc: An Adventure to Remember," written and illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark, Walker, 2008, 32 pages, $16.95 hardcover

Read aloud: age 3–4 and older

Read yourself: age 7–8

Melrose has planned a very special birthday for his best friend, Croc. Melrose has rented a lovely villa by the sea, has prepared a sumptuous meal, and has several presents for Croc to unwrap. But Melrose's crowning surprise will be a large fresh fish he will catch himself.

Melrose tells Croc he will be back soon with another surprise for him. Borrowing Pierre's little boat, Melrose heads out to sea. A sudden storm catches Melrose off-guard, and soon his life is in danger. Croc begins to worry why his friend has been gone so long, and he sets out to find him. Will Croc be able to rescue his best friend?

Delightful in every way, this story of friendship is first-rate.

"A Visitor for Bear" by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton, Candlewick, 2008, 56 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 2–3 and older.

Read yourself: age 7–8.

No one ever came to Bear's house. It had always been that way, and Bear was quite sure he did not like visitors. He even had a sign. "No Visitors Allowed."

Despite the sign, one morning Bear hears a tapping at his front door. A small gray mouse has come to visit, but Bear points to his sign, reads it to the mouse, and promptly sends the mouse away. When Bear returns to his kitchen to make his breakfast, the mouse is in his cupboard! How could it be? Bear sends the mouse away again, but the mouse returns, and the cycle goes on until Bear weeps, thinking he will never get rid of the spunky little gray fellow. But then, maybe Bear really does not want that mouse to leave. Maybe they could even be friends!

Charming from start to finish, "A Visitor for Bear" is loaded with laughs and a subtle message about the importance of friendship.

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Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.