My Bright Friend

by Simon Boulerice, illustrated by Marilyn Faucher, translated by Sophie B. Watson

tagged: marriage & divorce, imagination & play, friendship

Description

A tender story, complemented by vibrant illustrations, that reminds us empathy and generosity are marvelous tools to overcome one’s troubles.

Now that his parents are separated, Ludo has two homes: one in the country with his mom, and the other in the city with his dad. The young boy doesn’t like leaving the countryside and his friends to go to his father’s apartment in the city, but he does find some entertainment in the flashing traffic lights on the street corner under his window. Ludo convinces himself (with the help of his father) that the lights are controlled by a tiny gentleman who sits inside the signal pole, flipping switches all day and night. Ludo starts sneaking out to leave food for the man, and he soon makes a new friend in the big city.

About the Authors

Simon Boulerice

Award-winning Québécois author Simon Boulerice is a playwright, novelist, poet and children's book author. His picture book Florence & Léon (QuébecAmérique, published as Florence & Leon in English by Orca) was nominated for the 2016 Governor General's Award for French-language children's illustration. Inspired by the power of the imagination, Simon believes in the gift of time to let your mind wander...because you never know what it will come up with.

Marilyn Faucher

Born and raised in Montreal, Marilyn Faucher is an honors graduate of Université du Québec à Montréal's graphic design program, specializing in illustration. Her contemporary style brings a fresh perspective to traditional techniques, resulting in sensitive yet vibrant illustrations. Marilyn lives in a small town not far from Montreal with a cat named Feta.

Sophie B. Watson is an award-winning author, translator and editor. Since studying French and English literature at the University of Alberta, Sophie has worked in the book publishing industry as a writer, editor, translator and as a bilingual editor for Les Éditions Duval. Over the years she has worked in educational, literary, trade and academic publishing. As a freelance writer Sophie has had many articles published in Canadian and Irish publications and her novel Cadillac Couches received excellent reviews.

Age:: 3 to 5
Grade:: p to k
Reading age:: 3 to 5

Awards

Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

Editorial Reviews

“Excellent. Highly recommended for a quirky, yet touching read aloud.”

— Reource Links

“This book would help any child dealing with their parents’ separating. It is an excellent choice for any elementary school library. Any family having changes in their lives may want to read this to celebrate new things.”

— Must Read Literature: K thru YA

“Illustrations are lively and the colours fittingly bright and lush. The substantial text renders this a great picture book for older children, while still working as a read-aloud for younger kids. My Bright Friend quietly advances the notion that, more than overt lessons, kids need space to think, question, and imagine during sensitive times.”

— Quill & Quire

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