The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend (Caldecott Medal Winner)

Beekle is an imaginary friend without a friend. He keeps waiting for someone to imagine him, so he can meet his special friend and have awesome adventures. But he gets tired of waiting and decides it's time to do something about it. Beekle isn't one to wait around. My kids are 6. They LOVE Beekle. We read it almost every night. They love the amazing story and the beyond beautiful illustrations, but their favorite part is to pick out the pieces of the story that aren't told in the words; just in the pictures. It lets them take an active role in the storytelling. This would be especially great for kids even younger who haven't started to read yet, as they can still participate in the development of the story, even if mom or dad does the reading. I can't recommend this book enough!

This has to be one of the greatest children's books I've read as an adult. It is a heart-warming story of isolation, and of bravery, and of friendship. It is also incredibly versatile across grade levels. For instance, as a book for back-to-school, this book explores the stages of building a new friendship, and opens a dialogue for how friends are made, something that is needed at any age. I've had children design their own imaginary friends, and write short stories about adventures they have, and it's been one of the most enjoyable parts of my year. This book deserves every award. As an added bonus, there is a stress toy, based on an alien from Doctor Who that bears a striking resemblance to Beekle. I have taped a paper crown onto its head, and when children are experiencing frustration, or need a reminder that there is always a friend waiting for them, they give "Beekle" a squeeze. Link Below. Doctor Who Adipose Stress Toy

A delightful children's book, with clear and charming art, about an "imaginary friend" who can't leave his island because no child has chosen him. Finally he sets out alone to go in search of a believing child, and eventually meets up with a kid who is as shy about friend-making as he is. I'm not sure how well this will work with children who DON'T have imaginary friends. I never had one, and didn't get how important they can be until one of my children had an imaginary friend whose involvement in her life was intense and constant. THAT was when I needed this book, and she's the child with whom it would have been fun to share it. Yet at the same time, even if you have never had an imaginary friend - or known anyone who did - the book is still so well written and drawn that you might well enjoy it just as much.

Our new favorite book! The story is truly in genius and it is perfect for my 2 1/2 year-old to explore her imagination. Great book for a kid with an imaginary friend! The illustrations are beautiful and bright and detailed at times, contrasted by beautiful and dark or dull. Somehow though the darkness never conveys as anything negative, in my opinion, but makes for a beautiful contrast and gentle expression of loneliness and the need for a friend. The last page of the book dedicates the book for Alek and explains that the illustrations are "done in pencil, crayons, watercolor, Inc., and Photoshop. And the text was hand lettered." It really is such a fun Book to read and my favorite by far.!

This was a very sweet story about friendship and finding a place to belong, very much deserving of its award. However, I gave it 4 stars because, despite its gorgeous artwork, I was disappointed to see that this story has some imagery that perpetuates a stereotype toward Asian peoples. Three images of an Asian girl with slits for eyes decorate the endpapers and last-page spread. Asian people have eyes with whites and pupils just like other humans do. While this may seem like a small thing to some, it is a visual that is very damaging to those it depicts and to those to view it, as this is often the only way they see Asian peoples portrayed. If it helps validate my statement, yes, I am Asian, but please don't see this as a posting of my taking offense or being over sensitive, rather I am more concerned with the damage this does to the children and others who view it. I'm not saying this book should be ignored as it is a wonderful tale with a great lesson, but if you are to add this to your library, I encourage you to talk about these images with your children or students. It's important that they are made aware that this is an improper and racist way to depict the Asian population. It saddens me that the author himself is a Thai-American, but him being so does not make these images okay to create, rather it is that much worse coming from such a source. You may be thinking "that's just his art style," but please consider this statement; a racist drawing does not equate art style or artistic validation, it is simply what it is.

My son absolutely loves reading this book at bedtime. The illustrations are so magical, and the story is not over-simple or too complex. Perfect for a child. Highly recommend if your children have huge imaginations, and if you are a parent who enjoys reading and taking time to wonder at the illustrations and ask questions to your child as you go.

Wonderful book, my daughter loves it although this one was boughten for a gift for another kid. It's one of my daughter's favorite books

BEST READ ALOUD BOOK EVER!!! I was introduced to this book in a college during a read aloud presentation for a teaching course and It truly touched my heart. The story of Beekle is filled with the most beautiful illustrations! The illustrator Dan Santat is also the author, so the images perfectly align with the text. Dan’s use of space, color, and texture perfectly sets the mood for each phase in Beekle’s fun adventure. I have used this book for many read aloud lessons and it is always a hit! Even my 1st grade students love making real world connections about their feelings and beekles! :)

Just brilliant. Cannot wait to share with my class. Sometimes a book has all the messages you want to say

My son's favorite book. He has an imaginary friend too, so he was able to relate to this fairly well. He wants a sequel so badly.

Wonderful book- beautifully illustrated and fantastic unique story

Me encantó, sentí un poco inconcluso el final pero es para dar rienda suelta a la imaginación de los niños

Oh, sweet Beekle. The story begins with our little imaginary friend being born on a faraway island. The island is the birth place of all imaginary friends, and it is where they live until chosen as a special friend to a special child. He waits patiently for a child to choose him...but no one ever does. Growing tired of waiting, he sets off on an adventure to find the perfect friend for himself. After searching the city, he finally finds his perfect match who gives him the name, Beekle. This is a charming and inventive story with beautiful illustrations, and a delightful premise. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, is the sort of picture book that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.