Kirkus Reviews

Poppy, a young anthropomorphic tiger, builds emotional intelligence and learns communication skills.She and her best friend, Clementine, a young anthropomorphic sheep, like the same things and are virtually always together. So, when Clementine has a play date with a new companion, Poppy is worried: "What if Clementine thinks Georgia is a better best friend than me?" When Clementine invites Poppy over the next day, all she does is talk about her new friend. Peeved and hurt, Poppy lashes out and dashes home, where she is comforted by her dad. With his help, she figures out the best words to use to share her feelings with her best friend. After the two young animals have a heart-to-heart and reconcile, Poppy meets Georgia for the first time and gets a happy surprise. This book realistically portrays one of the common pitfalls of childhood friendships-jealousy-and successfully models strategies for having difficult but necessary conversations. Rendered in watercolor and digital ink, Stott's charming illustrations are full of detail and depict three girly characters-Poppy wears a tutu, and all three girls sport flower wreaths and large ribbons in their hair-with a penchant for pink.A tender tale of friendship, kindness, and forgiveness. (Picture book. 4-8)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Poppy, a tutu-wearing tiger, and Clementine, a flower-adorned sheep, are BFFs, but when Clementine meets a new playmate, Poppy’s thoughts spiral with anxious what-ifs, leading to an outburst during the besties’ next playdate. With some careful coaching from Dad (“A real best friend wants to know how you feel. Why don’t we practice what you’re going to say, together?”), Poppy is persuaded to talk things out with Clementine. The emotionally honest exchange that ensues models conflict resolution, complete with active listening and mutual apologies. Predictably, the twosome soon become a trio, and Poppy realizes the wisdom of Dad’s observation that “new things can be good.” Narrated in the first person by Poppy and supported by cozy, loosely outlined watercolor and digital art, Stott’s perceptive story offers an empathic approach to navigating hurt feelings and challenging social dynamics. Ages 4–8. (Feb.)

School Library Journal (Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 CST 2022)

Gr 13 Poppy (a tiger) and Clementine (a llama) are best friends. They do everything together, including having a bookmark business. One fateful day, Clementine invites only Georgia (a brown skinned human) over to play. Poppy worries that Georgia, whom she has never met, will become Clementine's new best friend. Her worst fears are realized when Clementine cannot stop talking about how great Georgia is, and how they made bookmarks together! An outraged Poppy yells at Clementine and goes home. Luckily Poppy's father is there to help her work through her feelings and role play how to talk to Clementine about them. Later, Poppy and Clementine talk about how the other made them feel and apologize. A happy ending ensues as Poppy, Clementine, and Georgia become best, best friends who run the bookmark business together. Stott's colorful and lively illustrations clearly depict the joy, worry, hurt feelings, and downright anger of the characters, while never giving in to them. Using crisp details, changing borders, and various text placement, the illustrations keep the dense story moving forward. VERDICT Perceived threats to a friendship can be scary, and this story explores navigating changes by reaching out and communicating. It also includes helpful coping mechanisms that are easy to replicate. Great for the SEL shelves. Catherine Callegari