And To Think That We Thought That We'd Never Be Friends

And to Think That We Thought That We’d Never Be Friends
Written by: Mary Ann Hoberman
Illustrated by: Kevin Hawkes
Recommended for ages 4 – 8.
$10.99 Dragonfly Books

In a time of looming war, this lovely storybook will have brothers and sisters and friends and enemies alike, thinking about peace rather than combat. As two young siblings are playing one day, a push and a shove turn into an all-out fight that is only brought to an end by their younger sister who offers a drink of her soda if only they will stop fighting. Luckily, they are thirsty.

When a family moves in next door, it turns out they are budding musicians but their practicing drives their neighbours crazy. The neighbours head over to put an end to the noise but are invited to try their hand at music themselves. How they could refuse such an offer?

As the families march down the street with their instruments blaring, they pick up strangers along the way until they reach the ocean where they climb upon the backs of the sea animals. Eventually, the entire world is marching in one big parade.

This charming story has a strong theme that is apropos at this time in history. Children will love the cumulative nature of the story as well as the repetition on each page. A real lesson about friendship can be learned from this unique tale.