Rosie and the friendship angel by Lucinda Riley and Harry Whittaker. Illus. by Jane Ray

Mother and son team, Lucinda Riley and Harry Whittaker has created a series of books called, Guardian Angels, this being number three. Rose is starting a new school and Daddy drops her off to her new teacher Miss Marshall. All looks well but the girl Miss Marshall has nominated as Rosie’s buddy is resentful and mean to her. She does not take her role with the new student seriously and leaves Rosie on the outer. Rosie’s first day is not what she expected and lying in bed that night she says, ‘I wish I didn’t feel all by myself'.’Her cry is heard by the Friendship Angel, Frederick and he takes action. He knows just how important friends are.

The next day he swirls up the snow with his wings, making it impossible for Daddy to be on time to pick up Rosie. While waiting for him, she talks to another girl in her class Indira who is waiting for her mother. A friendship blossoms. Frederick has done his job well.

This engaging text, stunningly illustrated, will delight newly emerging readers. The large size looks like a picture book but is enticingly older with more text than usual encouraging early readers to tackle it by themselves. The vibrant illustrations are full of detail and interest. For Australian readers the image of snow lying on the ground and the brick school buildings with fenced playgrounds and a small town blanketed in snow, will be a treat. The detailed classroom will draw their interest, looking at similarities and differences from their own experience.  I loved the technique used to quieten the class, and felt the cold as Rosie snuggled into her bed, and shivered at the images of the snow covering the car outside. Each page is a treat with text and image, the one supporting the other. The gentle text engaged me from the start as the idea of a Guardian Angel took shape.

Themes: Angels, Bullying, School, First day, Friendship.

Fran Knight