Fancy Friends

Making friends is a common theme in books for beginner readers. In “Fancy Friends”, Bunbun the bunny seems to have it all, from his winning smile to his two adorable ears. But what he doesn’t have is a friend. Unsuccessfully, he searches for one until he finds what he thinks is a talking rock. It turns out to be a talking candy, Bonbon. Bonbon explains that he is a fancy candy, and the two new friends become “Team Fancy”. The remainder of the story finds the pair exploring everything they consider fancy. During their fancy garden party, they meet a snake with a fancy tail who is also looking for a friend. By the end of the book, they realize that there is more to a friend than being fancy, such as being friends to others and accepting differences. And a best friend is even better than a fancy friend.

Fancy Friends is the first book in the “Bunbun & Bonbon” graphic novel series. Author-illustrator Jess Keating provides beginning readers with an eye-catching layout. Large panels, bright colours, defined borders and clear text font guide the child through the story. The chapter format provides a new experience for an emerging reader. The fun illustrations and cute characters add humour to the book.

Unfortunately, even though there are good picture clues for unfamiliar vocabulary, such as “croissant”, “bonbon” and “chapeau”, other words, such as “spectacular”, “grandiose” and “technically”, are challenging for a beginning reader. Also, the focus on the word ‘fancy’ seems to steer away from the concept of friendship to looking for popular, high end, or impressive things. When the pair meet the snake and are afraid of him, he says, “I was just looking for a friend.” At that point in the story, Bunbun and Bonbon gradually realize what friendship is, but that message comes near the end of the book and might need highlighting by a grownup. Considering the format and characterization, Fancy Friends would likely appeal to younger emerging readers in grades 1 and 2.