Billy and Rose: Forever Friends - (Candlewick Sparks) by Amy Hest (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Billy and Rose, friends with different ideas, always end up coming together in these charming stories from masterful creators Amy Hest and Kady MacDonald Denton.

Best friends Billy and Rose, an industrious sheep and a laid-back pig, sometimes see things differently. When they play catch, Rose insists that Billy throws too high, and he counters that she throws too low. While Rose thinks washing clothes is the world's biggest chore, Billy contends that playing the cello holds that distinction. Still, these endearing friends always find a way to work things out: What if Billy plays a cello serenade for Rose while she does her laundry? After all, what they really want is to be together. These four sweet stories by beloved children's author Amy Hest are filled with gentle wit and enhanced by Kady MacDonald Denton's delightfully expressive illustrations.

Review Quotes

The stories quietly model ways of dealing with disagreement. . . Gentle words and calming illustrations subtly provide strong examples of conflict resolution.
--Kirkus Reviews

Across four likable Frog and Toad-style stories, Hest celebrates the camaraderie of barnyard pals Billy and Rose. . . Genuine-sounding rapport articulates the kindness at the heart of any partnership, while MacDonald Denton's pale watercolor and ink illustrations add a layer of liveliness via expressively wrought figures; together, the duo embodies the way a best bud can both challenge and inspire.
--Publishers Weekly

Billy, a goat, and Rose, a pig, are friends who live on neighboring farms. In four short stories, the two work their way through small conflicts in satisfying ways. . . . The cozy words and pictures have an old-fashioned sensibility. . . Denton's lively watercolor and ink illustrations are filled with movement, and the characters' exuberance bursts off the page. . . this short chapter book has a friendly, approachable design for new readers.
--The Horn Book

About the Author

Amy Hest is the author of many books for young readers, including The Summer We Found the Baby, Remembering Mrs. Rossi, and Letters to Leo. She is also the author of many picture books, including Kiss Good Night, When Jessie Came Across the Sea, On the Night of the Shooting Star, Buster and the Baby, and Are You Sure, Mother Bear? Amy Hest lives in New York City.

Kady MacDonald Denton is the illustrator of many books for children, including the Bear and Mouse books by Bonny Becker and Two Homes by Claire Masurel. Kady MacDonald Denton lives in Ontario.