Title: The Faithful Friend

 

 

San Souci, R. (1995). Faithful friend. New York, MY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

 

Genre: Fiction/Multicultural

Reading Level: 5.3 (Fifth Grade - Third Month)

Interest Level: 3^rd -5^th grades

Theme: Friendship/Good vs. Evil

 
Summary:

The theme of this beautifully illustrated picture book is eternal friendship, with an emphasis on good prevailing over evil. The setting takes place on the picturesque island of Martinique; descriptions, such as, “vivid blossoms blazed against the bright green of sugarcane and banana and pineapple fields and the deeper green of distant mountains” allows the reader to see the culture of Martinique while drawing the reader’s eye to the dark, bold lines and deep colors of Pinkney’s illustrations.

The story commences when Clement asks his faithful friend, Hippolyte, to accompany him to visit the beautiful Pauline. Clement has fallen in love with Pauline’s picture and wishes to ask her uncle, Monsieur Zabocat, for her hand in marriage. Along their journey to find Pauline, Clement and Hippolyte discover the body of an old beggar in the shade of a banana grove.  Being honorable men, the two prepare a proper burial for the old beggar. Soon, Clement finds Pauline and she happily accepts his proposal of marriage. Upon hearing the proposal, Monsieur Zabocat becomes enraged and forbids the marriage. As the threesome travel back to Clements home, Hippolyte becomes aware of a curse that Monsieur Zabocat has placed on the couple. Now, Hippolyte must make the choice to protect himself or his friend.   

 
Reflection:

I chose this book from the recommended list given to me by my professor. Told in the third person omniscient point of view, the reader is able to seen into the minds of all characters. While the characters are not very complex, the conflict between good versus evil is what truly propels the story.  The person against person struggle between Clement and Monsieur Zabocat rises as Monsieur Zabocat threatens, “Then go! None of you is welcome any longer. But have care,” he thundered, his heavy mustache quivering and his dark eyes flashing red, like burning charcoal. You are not married yet.”

 
This book teaches about love, friendship, and sacrifice. The illustrations are captivating and even possess a haunting nature to them. I believe that my students would appreciate the value of the themes contained in this book and it is for these reasons that I would recommend The Faithful Friend.