The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend (Caldecott Medal Winner) Kindle Edition

What a lovely idea for a book! And the illustrations, wow—so beautifully express the heart of the story. This book is one to cherish, read and read again and again!

This was a very sweet story about friendship and finding a place to belong, very much deserving of its award. However, I gave it 4 stars because, despite its gorgeous artwork, I was disappointed to see that this story has some imagery that perpetuates a stereotype toward Asian peoples. Three images of an Asian girl with slits for eyes decorate the endpapers and last-page spread. Asian people have eyes with whites and pupils just like other humans do. While this may seem like a small thing to some, it is a visual that is very damaging to those it depicts and to those to view it, as this is often the only way they see Asian peoples portrayed. If it helps validate my statement, yes, I am Asian, but please don't see this as a posting of my taking offense or being over sensitive, rather I am more concerned with the damage this does to the children and others who view it. I'm not saying this book should be ignored as it is a wonderful tale with a great lesson, but if you are to add this to your library, I encourage you to talk about these images with your children or students. It's important that they are made aware that this is an improper and racist way to depict the Asian population. It saddens me that the author himself is a Thai-American, but him being so does not make these images okay to create, rather it is that much worse coming from such a source. You may be thinking "that's just his art style," but please consider this statement; a racist drawing does not equate art style or artistic validation, it is simply what it is.

I like this book for the most part. The sprit of the story that’s being told is really sweet.I wish this book was a poem, though. I think it’s short enough to have made it rhyme too.Oh, and like I mentioned in the title, the art is absolutely stunning.

This has to be one of the greatest children's books I've read as an adult. It is a heart-warming story of isolation, and of bravery, and of friendship. It is also incredibly versatile across grade levels. For instance, as a book for back-to-school, this book explores the stages of building a new friendship, and opens a dialogue for how friends are made, something that is needed at any age. I've had children design their own imaginary friends, and write short stories about adventures they have, and it's been one of the most enjoyable parts of my year.This book deserves every award.As an added bonus, there is a stress toy, based on an alien from Doctor Who that bears a striking resemblance to Beekle. I have taped a paper crown onto its head, and when children are experiencing frustration, or need a reminder that there is always a friend waiting for them, they give "Beekle" a squeeze. Link Below. Doctor Who Adipose Stress Toy

I ordered this book on the recommendation of a book blog, which hailed it as one of the best new picture books, so I had high expectations. I was mostly not disappointed: the illustrations are indeed beautiful, the idea to reverse the imaginary friend/child dynamic is quite interesting, and the girl's drawings mirroring the illustrations of the book introduces an almost philosophical quality to this rather simple child's book: what comes first, ideas or things/beings.But therein may lie a caveat of this book: it feels almost like a picture book meant for adults who want to reflect about childhood, rather than for children. Another reviewer complained that it didn't hold her child's attention, I think that may be true for many children because without noticing or understanding all the subtle connections between the imaginary world and the real one, the book can seem rather boring and slow. Surprisingly, my 8-year-old picked up on most of them herself, some children may delight in those discoveries with adults' help, yet others may be too young to appreciate them. Thus the 4 stars: I think this book will either be a quiet hit, or a disappointment due to the lack of an exciting storyline.

Bought this to give to a new-ish family member. She's not old enough for it yet, but I think she will relate to it when the time comes.

Its a nice little book not overwhelmingly long or deep of a kids story but my point when I bought this was to be a supplement to Imaginary Fred, Leo, etc Imagination wise.I like a variety of art styles and really just thought this was beautiful(but a little short). I started reading my 4 year old longer books to test his patience with me but in doing so he is more likely to try and read all of these shorter books and memorizes words quickly. Its a sweet little tale I recommend to someone who already has a few classics and a variety of books not so much for a very small collection as there are some truly great book I think all parents would rather have first. Enjoy this cute little one if you give your child anything its the gift of reading a gift full of so much more than the act itself.

A delightful children's book, with clear and charming art, about an "imaginary friend" who can't leave his island because no child has chosen him. Finally he sets out alone to go in search of a believing child, and eventually meets up with a kid who is as shy about friend-making as he is.I'm not sure how well this will work with children who DON'T have imaginary friends. I never had one, and didn't get how important they can be until one of my children had an imaginary friend whose involvement in her life was intense and constant. THAT was when I needed this book, and she's the child with whom it would have been fun to share it.Yet at the same time, even if you have never had an imaginary friend - or known anyone who did - the book is still so well written and drawn that you might well enjoy it just as much.

Just brilliant. Cannot wait to share with my class. Sometimes a book has all the messages you want to say

Lovely book , live beekle character design :-)

Amazing artwork, gorgeous colours and a lovely story of bravery & friendship. My 4 year old twins loved it - they giggled & adored Beekle.

Oh, sweet Beekle. The story begins with our little imaginary friend being born on a faraway island. The island is the birth place of all imaginary friends, and it is where they live until chosen as a special friend to a special child. He waits patiently for a child to choose him...but no one ever does. Growing tired of waiting, he sets off on an adventure to find the perfect friend for himself. After searching the city, he finally finds his perfect match who gives him the name, Beekle. This is a charming and inventive story with beautiful illustrations, and a delightful premise. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, is the sort of picture book that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.

En una primera lectura no me di cuenta de la magia de este libro, simplemente vi una historia con muy buenos dibujos que podrían atraer a un niño de cualquier edad y una historia con bastante imaginación, pero nada interesante para un adulto. Tras releerlo me percaté de algo que no voy a contar aquí pero que tiene que ver con un dibujo que hace una niña. Ese detalle pone el libro en otro nivel. No creo que la mayoría de niños se den cuenta de lo que significa y muchos adultos tampoco, pero una vez comprendido me doy cuenta que la medalla Caldecott que ha ganado es bien merecida (mejor libro ilustrado de USA 2014).