In three short chapters, each its own complete story, Bink brings mayhem and Gollie brings understanding. The charming compromises involve socks and pancakes, a mountain adventure and a sandwich, and a goldfish and a pond. Through it all, Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee use heart and humor to capture the essence of friendship.
The combination of illustrations and minimal text on every page in a chapter book format makes this an excellent bridge book for the child reader ready to move beyond picture books. The illustrations have a no nonsense feel and the dialogue rich text gives this book a nod of maturity that elementary school readers will appreciate.
On Writing
For writers, here is a textbook lesson on how to create memorable complete characters and tell a full story with an arc, tension and a heart-string tug in very few words. Any time you think it can’t be done, just pick up Bink & Gollie for inspiration.
Bink & Gollie will make you smile, giggle and sigh and before you know it you’ll be ringing up your own best friend to ask if they want to go roller-skating.