Sophie finds Bernice at the farmers’ market. Bernice is just right to hold, rock to sleep, care for and play with. Except much to Sophie’s parents chagrin, Bernice is a squash!
But Sophie doesn’t mind that at all. Bernice is the perfect playmate for her – well, until she begins to get softer as winter nears. When Sophie finds out that what Bernice needs is love, fresh air and clean dirt, she tucks her little buddy into soft soil.
The arrival of a snow-covered winter keeps Sophie from checking on Bernice. Then when the snow is all gone one day, she finds a “strangely familiar” sprout in the garden. Sophie is delighted to have her friend back.
A surprising discovery in the end makes the story one you’d want to read again and again. Winner of the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, this delightful story of a little girl is a keepsake.
I like this book for its theme, simple text and illustrations, making it a great choice for a read-aloud as well as an early reader.
Children get attached to the strangest things, or things we adults deem as strange. Some of us dissuade them, others don't. In this story, even though Sophie's parents are worried by her 'strange new friend', they don't discourage her, but often drop hints about doing away with Bernice. What happens in the end, is something you must read the book to learn about!
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