Overview
Roland lives a quiet life filled with books, music, and tea parties for one, but sometimes he feels rather lonely. When Roland finds the perfect companion in Milton (Good listener! Enjoys music! Also alone!), he is overjoyed. It’s okay that Milton is just a pine cone; they have so much in common. Then clues start popping up in the woods, suggesting someone else might be missing their best pine cone friend. Roland must decide if it’s worth leaving someone else in their loneliness to keep Milton in his life. In this sweet and moving picture book, debut author-illustrator Sandra Salsbury explores friendship, compassion, loss, and the transformative power of connection. Soft watercolour illustrations bring a charming forest and endearing characters to life.
Full Product Details
Author: Sandra Salsbury
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers,U.S.
Imprint: Peachtree Publishers
Dimensions:
Width: 24.80cm
, Height: 0.30cm
, Length: 24.80cm
Weight: 0.193kg
ISBN: 9781682637821
ISBN 10: 1682637824
Pages: 40
Publication Date: 18 March 2025
Recommended Age: From 4 to 8 years
Audience:
Children/juvenile
,
Children / Juvenile
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: In Print
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Reviews
"""The simplified forms, curving lines, and muted colors in the watercolor illustrations suit this gentle, rather melancholy story well. . . . An engaging picture book with craft-project potential."" —Booklist ""Who is the 'Best Friend in the Whole World'? After reading this sweet, sensitive tale, children can decide for themselves."" —The New York Times ""Salsbury never allows the tale to become maudlin or cloying, as Roland selflessly deals with disappointment, remaining a kind and compassionate friend. Watercolor illustrations, appearing as vignettes and both single- and double-page spreads, enhance the tale with lively, detailed depictions of Roland's woodsy home, his expressions of sadness and joy, the sweet-natured Lucy, and, of course, the incredible Milton/Popkin. Young readers will sympathize with Roland and strive to emulate his kindness to his friends, whether real or imaginary. Life lessons gently told. Lovely."" —Kirkus Reviews ""This picture book is charming in its simplicity and thoughtful in centering empathy as it quietly affirms the specialness of imaginary friends."" —School Library Journal"
""The simplified forms, curving lines, and muted colors in the watercolor illustrations suit this gentle, rather melancholy story well. . . . An engaging picture book with craft-project potential."" —Booklist ""Who is the 'Best Friend in the Whole World'? After reading this sweet, sensitive tale, children can decide for themselves."" —The New York Times ""Salsbury never allows the tale to become maudlin or cloying, as Roland selflessly deals with disappointment, remaining a kind and compassionate friend. Watercolor illustrations, appearing as vignettes and both single- and double-page spreads, enhance the tale with lively, detailed depictions of Roland's woodsy home, his expressions of sadness and joy, the sweet-natured Lucy, and, of course, the incredible Milton/Popkin. Young readers will sympathize with Roland and strive to emulate his kindness to his friends, whether real or imaginary. Life lessons gently told. Lovely."" —Kirkus Reviews ""This picture book is charming in its simplicity and thoughtful in centering empathy as it quietly affirms the specialness of imaginary friends."" —School Library Journal
Author Information
Sandra Salsbury received the 2018 SCBWI Don Freeman Illustration Grant. She has a BFA and MFA in Illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and lives in Berkeley, California, where she cares for numerous house plants and a software engineer. She enjoys hiking, snooping at open houses, and telling people what to do on the internet.
