You are My Best Friend ( Ages 3 to 7)
By : Tatsuya Miyanishi
Publisher :Museyon ( May, 2016)
"Crack! Thump! Bang! Help it`s the Tyrannosaurus! Run away!"
Another one of Tatsuya Miyanishi`s ('You Look Yummy') famous Tyrannosaurus series, with his signature art work is now available in English. The book offers a very direct message about friendship and bullying, again through a touching and an uncomplicated story. An absolute uniqueness in Miyanishi`s works I presume? His choice of strong colours completed with bold black lines are a complete contrast to the emotional and poignant story lineup. But the combination together seems to work brilliantly in capturing and then conserving the attention of young readers.
The big bad carnivorous Tyrannosaurus was chasing a group of little Styracosaurusus when he fell off a cliff into the deep sea. Now who would want to help a mean and nasty tyrannosaurus? But surprise! surprise! The Elasmosoaurus who lives in the sea answers his calls, and why? " Because you called for help," the Elasmosoaurus smiles.
When the Elsamosaurus tells him about the strong but mean and nasty creature who always bullies weaker dinosaurs in the ocean, the Tyrannosaurus feels ashamed of himself. He also lies about himself, not wanting to lose his new found and only friendship. But the guilt of having to lie to his friend remains: "His heart ached as he walked home / because he`d had to lie in-order to make a friend." Slowly though, they form a strong & a meaningful friendship. It`s particularly moving to see how they help each other in their company, as they walk in the shallow sea, the Tyrannosaurus holding on to the Elsamosaurus`s tail, and on land the Elsamosaurus on Tyrannosaurus's back.
This newly changed Tyrannosaurus not only stops bulling small Styracosaurusus but also helps his dear friend in his hour of need. And at that despairing moment he confesses his true self to his friend but the Elasmosoaurus interrupts to tell him that "The true you is ...kind / the true you is my friend." The book addresses many matters related to social interactions through this moving tale and is thus an ideal classroom read-aloud! The simple story structure with it`s fresh and divergent illustrations can easily capture children`s attention.