by Moe Zilla

Created on: May 23, 2009

"Molly and Ben were best friends," the first page announces, and the title page shows them talking to each other through the windows of the house that they share. There's a big white house with leafy trees over a hedge, and it all looks very family-friendly. It's a classic friendship, with the two children walking to school together, sharing their lunches, and playing games in the afternoon. And they're even saving their allowances so they can buy a tent for camping.

But there's where the trouble starts, since they can't agree on what kind of tent to buy. Soon they're avoiding each other - in the lunch room, on the playground, even walking to school. What's fascinating about this book is the level of detail the author provides. The full text of their argument is provided, so it's clear just how mad the two children are. And Molly and Ben both keep diaries, where they write about their hopes for a camping trip WITHOUT their former friend.

Charlotte Pomerantz wrote the story, but the illustrations are just as detailed. They look a little like the "Dick and Jane" readers that used to be taught in elementary schools. The children are drawn realistically, but in bright colorful neighborhoods that suggest lots of fun times. And David Soman, the illustrator, makes their personalities clear with detailed drawings, showing Molly as a bright blonde, while Ben is sensitive and friendly.

The story captures the sadness of their fight when the children's birthdays come. They'd traditionally celebrated them on the same day of the year, and agree to do it again "for the sake of the grown-ups." There's colorful balloons on the house, and bright party dresses on the big green lawn. All of the children's friends come, but nobody noticed that Molly and Ben weren't talking to each other.

I'm surprised how compelling this story was, but it shows what good characters can do. The text and the illustrations make the children seem real, and everyone can identify with the theme of friendship. This makes it that much more satisfying when the book reaches its final twist. The two children had bought each other a present - each had bought the other a sleeping bag to camp in.

They end up camping in their back yard after all, and the book, again, provides the text of their final reconciliation.

"Molly, are you awake?"
"No. Are you?"
"No. I'm talking in my sleep."
"Me too."

And then they agree that it doesn't matter what kind of camping tent they get.

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