The Secret Friend: A Panda and Gander Story (Read Me) - Hardcover

Joyce Dunbar is the author of more than 30 books for children. These include the award-winning This is the Star and Mouse and Mole, now a popular TV series. Helen Craig has illustrated many titles including the Angelina Ballerina series (now on TV) and This is the Bear books.

In the new Read Me/A Panda and Gander Story series, Gander decides to write a letter, and Panda can't help but notice the proceedings and inquire about them. Panda learns that Gander is writing to a ``secret'' friend, and even as the bear urges the bird to be more loving in the way the letter is signedsuggesting the inclusion of three kisses and a big red hearthe stews over his own suddenly shaky friendship. When Gander wildly adds stickers and border art to the missive, Panda is quite taken aback, wondering who the secret friend is. Gander sends the letter off (in a slit in a shoebox) and when the letter ``arrives,'' it is addressed, of course, to Panda. Dunbar (see review, above) is especially astute at picking up on the emotional nuances of how children interact. Younger listeners will understand better than he does Panda's drooping self-esteem and fear that a new friend has replaced him in Gander's eyes. Craig's illustrations are expressivea dash of eyebrow communicates Panda's uncertaintieswhile backgrounds and a scattering of project paraphernalia (stickers, scissors, colored pencils) convey the child-size realm the two friends inhabit. (Picture book. 4-7) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.