2013
WISE Score
Amazon
A quirky, high-energy friendship story that respects a kid's intelligence and their sense of humor.
4.6
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Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Forever is a total win. It’s rare to find a book for this age group that doesn't feel like it was written by a committee trying to 'teach a lesson.'
Instead, you get Kate DiCamillo’s sharp writing and Tony Fucile’s (who worked on The Incredibles) amazing art. It’s funny, it’s fast-paced, and it’s actually enjoyable for parents to read too. If you have a kid who is bored by 'See Spot Run' style readers, this is the antidote.
Perfect for 5 to 9-year-olds. It's a great read-aloud for kindergartners, but it's specifically designed for that 'transitional' phase where 1st and 2nd graders are starting to read independently.
It's a masterclass in depicting a healthy, albeit quirky, friendship. The girls disagree and have different personalities—Bink is a chaotic whirlwind and Gollie is a refined 'royal'—but they always find a way back to each other through genuine compromise.
The book uses a unique hybrid of picture book and graphic novel styles. The scenarios, like Gollie being convinced of her royal lineage, invite kids into a world where everyday friendship feels like a grand adventure.
Zero concerns here. It's a gentle, funny book for early readers. No scary themes, no inappropriate language, and no 'surprise' dark turns.
Kate DiCamillo is famous for using sophisticated vocabulary in books for young kids. It respects the reader's intelligence and teaches social-emotional nuances like personal space and managing expectations in a friendship.
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