The Friend by Sarah Stewart

There have only been a handful of books that have caused me to actually shed physical tears while trying to read them aloud to my children. The Friend is among them. I wish I knew more about the story behind this story–about the daughter of a rich couple who is left with the family housekeeper for a week. Beautifully illustrated by Stewart’s husband David Small, we see how the older black woman loves the precocious girl left in her care. After each day’s tasks-which the girl ‘helps’ perform–they walk down to the shore each evening to rest and play.

After reading this one, I searched for other Sarah Stewart books. I found The Library. With the same illustrations and sense of defining character, I enjoyed it, too. Those who love their libraries will appreciate the story behind this one. My guys couldn’t get into this one though. I think because there was focused on a girl who loved books. No action or dialogue. I would recommend this one for older girls (perhaps 5+).