No-Matter-What Friend

Winters, Kari-Lynn. (April, 2014). Illustrated by Pierre Pratt

Special relationships grow from memories and time spent together. Though the boy and his dog are getting older they know they can always count on each other—no matter what. No-Matter-What Friend tells their story through rhyme. It would be a good first reader.

  • Reading level: ages 3-6

  • 32 pages

  • Published By Tradewind Books

  • ISBN-10: 1896580831

  • ISBN-13: 978-1896580838.

About The Illustrator

Pierre Pratt has been illustrating and writing children’s books for over two decades. He is a three-time recipient of the Governor-General’s Award and has won the Mr. Christie Book Award, among many other prizes. Pierre lives in Montreal and Lisbon.

Reviews

  • "Written in simple, sparse moving verse for the understanding of children ages 3-6, “No-Matter-What Friend” explores the depth and comfort of a relationship between a growing boy and his old dog, who has been his faithful friend, protector, and companion since babyhood. The dog is old and tired, while the boy is still growing and moving. Although the dog cannot run and play so easily now in his twilight years, the boy remembers all their happy times together. Change can be difficult to accept, especially in an aging loved one. But the boy knows his no-matter-what friend deserves the same loyalty from him, no matter what. Masterful illustrations map out the emotional content of every nuance of interaction, evoking warmth, sensitivity, and all the feelings of joy and sadness a heart’s love can feel."

    Review by Dianne Donovan, in Midwest Book Review 24:8 (August 2014)

  • "Age and friendship are presented in an interesting fashion as a young boy talks to his old dog and revisits the times they have had together. The dog is too old to play with the boy now, so the boy muses about their past and what the dog may be thinking. Does the dog remember the ball the boy is holding was once his toy? Does the dog wish things were the way they used to be when they played on the beach together or went sleigh riding in the snow? The dog was always with the boy as they chased after Dad’s car, and the dog pulled the boy from the mucky pond and then sprayed Mom with muddy water when the dog shook himself dry. Now, the dog sits and listens as the boy talks and tries to cajole the dog into playing with him again. The dog is just too old. The story ends with the boy holding the dog and reassuring the dog he will always love him and be his friend—no matter what. This is a charming story about friendship enduring even when one member becomes old. True friendship lasts forever. Colorful illustrations complement the storyline, depicting the experiences of the boy and dog. Teachers can use the book to supplement units on dogs, friendship, or aging. The author and illustrator do a good job of portraying the theme in a manner that will appeal to all readers."

    Review by Jeanna Potts, in Children’s Literature

  • "A bittersweet exploration of the enduring bond between a growing boy and his aging companion."

    Review in Kirkus Reviews (October 15, 2014)

Awards

2015: Selected: Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year

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