Maggie and Kate: A Friendship Begins

Peggy A. Schmuldt
Illustrator Ian P. Campbell

Review by Molly

The chronicle presented in Maggie and Kate: A Friendship Begins recounts the story of two little girls: Maggie and Kate as they begin Kindergarten. Even though they only live two blocks apart, the girls do not know one another before the First Day of School. Maggie will be taking a beloved toy with her on that first day and, she is happy and excited and unafraid when she thinks about beginning Kindergarten. Kate, on the other hand, is scared. From the moment Maggie shares her favorite toy, Rootbear, the two girls become fast friends. Before long Maggie is invited to Kate’s birthday party. Maggie sets out on a search for the perfect gift for her best friend. During the party Kate saves Maggie’s gift for last to open. It WAS the perfect gift!

Author Peggy Schmuldt, the Library Lady at Du Jardin School in Bloomingdale, Illinois teams with sixth grader Ian Campbell to produce an appealing work sure to please the target audience of 3 – 7 year olds. While both children followed in the tale are little girls, the narrative is one with which little folks of either sex can identify. Artwork a la the crayon drawing style of Syd Hof is sure to prove a child pleaser.

In addition to pleasure reading/listening time on the rug during story-time, Maggie and Kate: A Friendship Begins, has a place in classroom unit work on emotions and how to deal with them. Both Maggie’s self assuredness and Kate’s worry are feelings I often encountered on the first day of a new Kindergarten or First Grade session. Writer Schmuldt has captured to perfection the emotions little folks cannot always voice. Artist Campbell’s illustrations add to the work. Maggie and Kate: A Friendship Begins is a ‘read to’ work for the target audience and a ‘read alone’ for student mentors third grade and beyond reading level.

Enjoyed the read. This is a book I would use in my own Kindergarten or First Grade classroom. I am happy to recommend the book for the home pleasure library, school library and for home schoolers as well as for therapists working with young children who cannot always realize or relate what it is they are feeling.

Maggie and Kate: A Friendship Begins the first illustrated children’s book written by author Schmuldt and illustrated by artist Campbell. I am happy to know more in the series are coming. To increase interest among the boys in the classroom, I would suggest the writer consider adding two little boys to the mix as the series continues. You can find more about this book at Trafford Publishing.

Final note from Jandy - The illustrator is in 6th grade!