Rosie and Michael ANNOTATION
Two friends tell what they like about each other--even the bad things.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Rosie is my friend. She likes me when I'm dopey and not just when I'm smart. Says Michael.
Michael is my friend. He likes me when I'm grouchy and not just when I'm nice. Says Rosy.
Or is it Rosey or Rosi or Rosee or Rozi or Wrosie? However she writes it, that's the way Michael writes it, too.
And just because he sprays Kool Whip in her sneakers, doesn't mean that Rosie's not his friend.
Friendship overcomes all problems. That's what Rosie and Michael think. It's big enough for jokes, for laughter, for sharing possessions, for aiding each other in dire emergencies, and even for being mad once in a while.
That's what friendships are for. So say Rosie and Michael.
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Eileen Hanning
Rosie and Michael are true-blue, deep-down, special friends. They do more than just play together, they tease each other, confide in each other, and truly understand each other. Judith Viorst again shows her knack for telling it like it is when it comes to childhood and relationships. All too often children's books about friendship are saccharin and shallow-depicting only the "nice" side of friendship. Rosie and Michael, on the other hand, demonstrates how true friends support and understand each other even when they are dopey, grouchy, smelly, or sad. Viorst emphasizes the role of acceptance and especially forgiveness in a long-lasting friendship. Michael puts Kool Whip in Rosie's shoes, and Rosie lets the air out of Michael's basketball, but they are still friends. Written in the first person, Michael and Rosie alternately describe their relationship with the other, and explore the nature of their friendship in real and imaginary situations. Each knows he or she would be forgiven for breaking a confidence if quicksand or piranhas were involved. Both vow to defend the other from false accusations and know the other would try to save them from lions or tidal waves. The genuine language and detailed pen and ink illustrations remain fresh and engaging, even after more than twenty years. This timeless picture book celebrates friendship through lost dogs, swiped bikes, and thick and thin. 1998 (orig.
Children's Literature - Deborah Palgon
Judith Viorst's humorous book is about friends-not just ordinary friends, but best friends. Rosie likes Michael even when he's dopey and understands his fear of pythons. Michael likes Rosie even when she's grouchy and understands her fear of werewolves. Michael and Rosie are best friends in spite of the funny names they call each other and in spite of the practical jokes they play on each other. Light-hearted and humorous, this book addresses what makes some friendships particularly special. Although the publisher's suggested age level is 6 to 9, some of the examples and images might be too horrific for the younger or highly sensitive child.
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