Starred Review Phillip and Brock are inseparable. Anytime Phillip's around, permanently clad in a red cape, cowboy boots, and an enthusiastic grin, Brock, a barrel-chested, chopper-riding, mustachioed tough guy in aviators, can't be far behind. Though his parents think Brock is only imaginary, Phillip knows better. That's why it's so devastating when they accidentally leave Brock behind at the carnival. Luckily for Brock, another pair of friends, Anne and Princess Sparkle-Dust, see forlorn Brock on the Ferris wheel and take him home. When Phillip and Brock are finally reunited, their merry band of pals doubles in size. While picture books about imaginary friends are nothing new, Goodrich's contribution is a visual standout and an object lesson in the humor of contrast. His wry, deadpan text appears next to lustrous, realistic watercolor paintings of exuberant Phillip and his blasé parents, while gigantic, hammy Brock is rendered in childlike scribbly black crayon. With quiet gestures and small variations in facial expressions, Goodrich teases out a remarkable depth of feeling, particularly from Brock, who, upon meeting the majestic Princess Sparkle-Dust, appearing in similarly scribbly purple, looks positively sheepish. While this would make a perfect read-aloud, the illustrations are strong enough that even little ones not quite ready to read independently will get the gist of the story from the pictures alone. Hilarious and heartwarming in equal measure.

PreS-Gr 1 Enter swashbuckling, chopper-riding, pencil-mustache sporting imaginary friend Brock. Despite his parent's dubious looks and disbelief, Phillip finds Brock's jokes hilarious and generally enjoys spending "all their time goofing around together." That is, until one fateful trip to the fair when Brock and Phillip are separated after the former decides to ride the "Brain Shaker" and the latter falls asleep on his father's shoulder. Phillip wakes in a panic on the ride home, realizing they have forgotten Brock. Brock becomes frightened without Phillip, seeking the help of a little girl who can actually see him. Anne and her own imaginary friend, Princess Sparkledust, take pity on Brock and bring him home. Even though he enjoys his new friends, adventures aren't quite the same without Phillip. Luckily, Phillip is out looking for Brock and when the two are finally reunited, they have two new friends to show for their harrowing tale. Goodrich's illustrations perfectly portray the drama and humor of life with an imaginary friend. VERDICT This title will pair nicely with Dan Santat's The Adventures of Beekle (Little, Brown, 2014) in a themed storytime on imaginary friends. Jenna Boles, Greene County Public Library, Beavercreek, OH