Best Frints in the Whole Universe by Antoinette Portis

Release Date: July 5, 2016
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Age Group: Children's
Source: Publisher
Pages: 40
Buy:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
IndieBound | Book Depository
Description: Goodreads
Yelfred and Omek have been best frints since they were little blobbies. They play and snack, and sometimes they even fight, all in a language similar to but slightly different from, English. When Omek decides to borrow Yelfred's new spaceship without asking (and then crashes it), it sparks the biggest fight yet. Can these two best frints make up and move on?

Award-winning picture book creator Antoinette Portis delivers a new universe of cleverness and imagination in this hilarious, sweet, and otherworldly book about friendship.

 Six months ago, I had no idea what Best Frints in the Whole Universe even was. I couldn't have told you who wrote it, what it was about or even what the cover looked like. Now, I can't stop talking about this wonderful picture book. 

I picked it up on a whim while at ALA Midwinter, and had no idea how much I'd enjoy it. Looking back, it's so appropriate that I read this tale of friendship and its ups and downs with one of  my best friends --Tess! We found ourselves smiling and laughing out loud at Yelfred and Omek's antics, and we were instantly their biggest fans. 

Friendship isn't perfect. Best Frints in the Whole Universe hits that nail on the head. Yelfred and Omek have been friends since they were blobbies and, while they might fight about playing eyeball (you read that right) or taking a spaceship out for a joyride, they are always there for each other in the end. And that's the most important thing about friendship, right? You've got someone who's there for you through thick and thin. 

One of the things I loved most about the way this story is told is the vocabulary. Don't worry! You won't need to refer to a glossary to get it. In fact, you'll probably have a lot of fun mastering the native language of Yelfred and Omek's home planet -- Boborp. You'll learn  how "taypo" and "sturples" can fix a broken "spossip" and how to avoid being called a "double-dirt bleebo" by your best friend. 

Honestly, I cannot say enough about this extremely engaging and fun story. It's a reminder that whether you're from Boborp or Earth, friends are a gift who brighten your day and they shouldn't be taken for granted or hastily cast aside. Not even if they "shmackle" your "blurfday" gift to bits. 

Make sure you pick up a copy of Best Frints in the Whole Universe on July 5, and read it with your bestie!