Underwood, Deborah. Walter Had a Best Friend. Sergio Ruzzier, Illus. Beach Lane, 10/2022. 40pp. Picture Book. GRADES. Preschool – 2. $18.99. 978-1-5344-7700-1. OUTSTANDING.
Walter, a rodent, finds himself on the outside after his best friend Xavier, a duck, makes a new friend. Minimal text and expressive illustrations capture the trajectory of their relationship, from being best friends “until . . . quietly . . . slowly . . . they weren’t.” Walter’s body language provides visual clues, including his fading smile and uncurled tail. Anyone who has ever lost a friend will recognize Walter’s “big hole in his heart” feeling. There is no happy reconciliation or message about new friends making room for old ones. Instead, Walter experiences anger and hurt but finds a way to move forward, especially after he meets a badger named Ollie. Quirky animal characters and a delightfully odd setting add a light touch to this well-paced, emotionally resonant story.
Jenny Andrus—Independent