Reviews

Forsythia & Me by Vincent X. Kirsch

missprint_'s review

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5.0

Forsythia does things that amaze Chester. She has prize-winning purple roses that she can make bloom in winter. She performs in the circus and at the ballet. She has even tamed the animals at the zoo so that they never arrive late for tea. One day when Forsythia wakes up with a cold, Chester discovers he can be amazing too in Forsythia & Me (2011) by Vincent X. Kirsch.

Forsythia & Me is one of my favorite stories to read aloud at story time. With a great example of positive roles for boys and girls, humor, and fun text and drawings this one is a definite winner.

Kirsch's illustrations combine delicately detailed line drawings with looser touches of water color paint. The combination creates bold page spreads with characters that stand out in bright, cheerful colors.

Kirsch's story has the feel of a tall tale as Chester details Forsythia's many exploits. At least until Forsythia gets sick. Then Chester (and readers) comes full circle, realizing that any number of things can be amazing when it comes to cheering up a friend.

Forsythia & Me brings together a charming story and intricate illustrations to create a delightful book about two equally amazing friends.

Possible Pairings: Boy + Boy by Ame Dyckman and Dan Yaccarino, Bad Apple: A Tale of Friendship by Edward Hemingway, Ladybug Girl by David Soman and Jacky Davis, Hooray for Amanda and Her Alligator by Mo Willems

lindacbugg's review

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4.0

This was very cute and sweet. I would love to have a friend like Chester!

pwbalto's review

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5.0

Forsythia and Chester are best friends, and Chester thinks his friend Forsythia walks on water. When she bakes a cake, it is a slice-it-with-a-sword multi-story wedding confection. She is such a fine painter that she can paint a portrait of the royal family with her eyes shut, play the piano upside down, etc. etc. But then Forsythia catches a cold, and Chester must deploy his - he thinks comparatively meager - skills to cheer her up.

Full review on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/2011/03/forsythia-me-by-vincent-x-kirsch-review.html

beecheralyson's review

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4.0

This is a sweet story about a friendship between two children. Forsythia is multi-talented in her friend's eyes. And then one day when she gets sick, her friends shows her his own talents.
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