A Friend for Eddy - by Ann Kim Ha (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

PA Center for the Book's 'Baker's Dozen' Children's Booklist

When Eddy the goldfish takes a leap of faith to be closer to his new friends, his perspective of the world widens in unexpected ways. A funny story about building empathy and making connections, for fans of LeUyen Pham, Dan Santat, Laura Vaccaro Seeger, and Michael Hall.

Eddy is a lonely goldfish stuck inside his fishbowl. He would love to have a friend to swim and play and blow bubbles with. Soon, on the other side of the glass, he spies not one but two new friends. After days of playing games together, Eddy leaps out of his bowl to be closer to them. And that's when he realizes that his two friends are really the inquisitive eyes of A CAT! Oh, no! Luckily for Eddy, friendship can be found in unexpected places.

A Friend for Eddy is funny and suspenseful, and observant readers will delight in seeing Eddy's mistake before he does. Ann Kim Ha's clever, bold illustrations will hold the attention of the youngest children, making A Friend for Eddy a wonderful choice for bedtime and story-time sharing.

Review Quotes

"Eddy the fish lives by himself in a little glass bowl. . . . Meanwhile, a pair of black, feline-shaped ears in the frame indicate that he is less alone than he realizes. This tension builds through digitally collaged watercolor illustrations and smart page design, but the text uses our protagonist's limited, naive perspective to tell the story. . . .Mercifully this dramatic, visually appealing friendship tale takes a surprise final turn, avoiding the anticipated grim conclusion. New friends are sometimes not who we imagine them to be; they can even be better." -- Horn Book (starred review)

"This clever and inspired story will hold readers' attention and have little ones begging for rereads. A tender tale of an unusual friendship, with just a touch of mystery." -- Kirkus Reviews

"A very clever example of how minimalist storytelling can be wonderfully supported and enhanced with skillful artwork. . . .This is a Hitchcockian suspense tale for preschoolers, and young readers will relish the build-up, the reveal, and the high-tension ending with its satisfying and gentle release." -- Booklist

"Ha perfectly captures Eddy's happiness, playfulness, and fear. . . . A captivating picture book that captures the feeling of loneliness and the need for friendship, ideal for toddlers and preschoolers." -- School Library Journal