Don't Need Friends

By Carolyn Crimi

Book Overview

There's a new dog in the junkyard, and boy, is he ever grouchy He seems the perfect friend for surly, grumbling Rat. But the two animals are only interested in shouting at each other. "Don't you come... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385326432
• ISBN13: 9780385326438
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers
• Length: 1 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.9" x 11.2"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Smart, hilarious portrait of friendship lost and found

This story is a very subtle portrayal of lost friendship, the pain that follows it and building new friendships. The story opens with a mouse and a possum, two very close friends, one of which moves away. The remaining friend (the mouse) finds this loss too painful to take a chance on making new friends. He says to himself "Don't need friends....don't need them at all" with a tearful look in his eye. With those who try to make friends with him, he becomes a cynical grump who seems to be very unfriendly. Then an equally grumpy dog moves in and the two grumps learn to understand and make friends with each other. Children and adults will enjoy this story. It validates the pain one feels with loss and the fear of taking a chance with another friendship that often accompanies that loss. It is tender, funny and smart. It is also a fairly easy reader for young people practicing their reading skills.

The very best

This is absolutely the best book I have used with K-3 students relating to friendship. The children love the book and sit mesmerized while I read it to them. The characters and illustrations are delightful. The children easily respond to the message the book gives. As an elementary school counselor I have used it in friendship groups and for classroom guidance. There seems to be something magic about this book for the children.

This author is brilliant!

This is a charming book. Your child will learn the most fundamental lesson in life...the value of true friendship.