Written by: Pat Zietlow Miller
Illustrated by: Anne Wilsdorf
Schwartz and Wade Books, 2013, Hardcover
Target Audience: Ages 3-8
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Friendship, Hope, Creative Thinking
How We Discovered This Book: We found this one in the new books bin at our library. The cover and illustrations pulled me right in. It has received 4 starred reviews, an Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor, and a Charlotte Zolotow Honor.
Summary: Sophie finds a lovely squash at the farmer’s market, and draws a face on it. She names it Bernice, and it becomes her best friend until her family and friends becomes concerned that Bernice is…. well… rotting. When Sophie finally does what’s best for Bernice, she is rewarded for her dedication.
What I Liked: How Sophie adopts a squash and makes it into a friend is totally something my daughter would do. I love Sophie’s spirit, and how she has her own mind about things.
What Did My Kids Think? They liked the dialogue, and how Sophie handled the questions from her friends and family. Aidan’s favorite part was when Sophie’s mom suggested that Bernice would be tasty with marshmallows, and Sophie responded, “Don’t listen Bernice!” Sophie also says that the blotches that Bernice gets are really freckles.
Resources:
Random House has a few activities, including how to host a Sophie’s Squash story time, and how to make your own fall friend!
Make your own friend from a fruit or vegetable. Get creative- all you need is a Sharpie and your favorite friend.
Penny Klosterman reviewed this book back in 2013 on her blog– check out her review and her activity ideas.
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Max has his own thoughts about Sophie’s Squash, and what makes the best fall friend. Check out his review below, and the rest of his reviews at Puppets Love Children’s Books.
Email subscribers: Please click over to this post on the website to see Max’s complete video.
A Life Spent Reading 