*Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo

*Just Like Millie is a sweet picture book about friendship with outstanding illustrations.

*Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo. Candlewick, 2014. 40 pages.

• Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8
• Recommended For: Ages 4 and up

A girl and her mom move to a new apartment. Whenever we move from one place to another, we have the opportunity to meet new friends! And that’s just what this mother tried to do: help her very shy young daughter meet new friends. They look for friends at the bookstore and at the park. No matter where it is, the girl is too timid and terrified. Until the day they pick up Millie from the animal shelter. Millie is a great friend.

Millie becomes the girl’s constant companion. But even better: Millie is super friendly and she makes lots of new friends. She knows everyone. As the girl watches Millie, she grows less afraid. Soon, she’s offering a timid wave to those she knows. Finally, “just like Millie, I made a friend.”

Castillo walks the fine line between sweet and sentimental in this gentle picture book that nearly every young child will relate to. As is typical of her picture books, Castillo’s art reflects a lively, multicultural community in an urban setting. The end papers begin and end the story, offering even more opportunities to enjoy her art. Highly recommended!

Bottom Line: Just Like Millie is a sweet story about friendship with outstanding illustrations.

*indicates a starred review.

Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Book Review: Don’t miss Knight Owl and Early Bird, another starred picture book about friendship.
• Resource: A Lauren Castillo roundup!
• Book Review: My Brother Is Away by Sara Greenwood is a gentle picture book about a hard topic, but it is also highly recommended.

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