Item: The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve
Rating: 4
Author: Dee S

I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review is written voluntarily. In addition, this post contains affiliate links which may earn me a percentage of the cost of the book. This will not increase your pricing.

The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve (Review)

The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve by Lee Cherry
Illustrator: Buffie Biddle
Published by Austin Macauley on July 21, 2023
ISBN: 978-1685624637
Genres: Children's Friendship Books
Pages: 40
Format: Paperback
Source: the Author
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On the Great Plains, we find Grover, a donkey, and Steve, an ostrich, who are the best of friends despite their differences.

The other animals on the plains just cannot understand how they are even friends. Donkeys and ostriches are just too different!

For Grover and Steve, while there are many differences between the two, what's most important to them is the bond of friendship.

MY THOUGHTS

The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve is a beautifully illustrated story. The images were so evocative, and the story so moving that I felt anger, sadness, and joy.

I was sold on the book upon reading the prologue.

A friendship is not defined by the color of your skin, your religion, ancestral background, or the country you come from, but rather the strength of your character and ability to relate to your fellow human, or in this case, fellow animal. – Pg 6

This story is a needed lesson because we can’t all seem to get along. It points out that we have more in common on the inside and that appearances should not matter as much as they do.

What I Liked

The illustrations gelled well with the story.
The headings on each page. I don’t recall seeing that before in a children’s book, but it helped to prime you for what is up next and move the story along.

What Gave Me Pause

The last sentence of the book doesn’t quite support the storyline. I think the author might have been saying that if we all disregard externals and focus on internals a friendship like Grover’s and Steve’s wouldn’t strike us as unique.
There is minimal dialogue, a lot of telling, not showing.

Key Takeaways

Differences should be appreciated as a plus and not a detractor in forming a friendship.
Let’s learn to be more accepting of one another. It may not be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.
Sometimes the ones who ostracize you are the ones who end up needing your help. This is where character comes in. Do you help or not?

My Recommendation

This is a great book for library group reads, classrooms, and family libraries. There are quite a few lessons within the story to discuss.

If you enjoyed Alycat and the Sunday Scaries or Lolly the Left Out Lobster, or you will enjoy The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lee Cherry is the author of The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve, his first book. He wanted to create a children’s book with the message that regardless of our differences, we can all be friends, and do so in a way that children would understand. Lee attended the University of Central Florida and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. He resides in Florida with his wife and three children.