Bink & Gollie: Book Review

My son is an avid reader. He'll gobble up any book he can get his hands on. My niece on the other hand, couldn't be more different. She is definitely the reluctant reader, the one who needs a little incentive, needs books she can fall in love with.

Bink & Gollie, by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, is one of those books. Following two little girls, "one tiny, one tall, and both utterly irrepressible," the book takes you along on three of their adventures. In the first story, Bink has to have a new, outrageously colorful pair of socks. Gollie, however, is not a fan. They eventually have to find a way to compromise with one another. The second story follows Gollie's adventure hiking up the Andes, even with Bink's constant interruptions. And finally, the third story introduces us to Fred the goldfish and takes us along on his interesting journey with Bink.

The second I started reading the book, I couldn't believe how much the girls reminded me of my niece and nephew. They get along one second and are stomping off the next. They struggle to compromise, but always do in the end. They are silly and sweet and imaginative. They are the best of friends.

Written for ages 6-8, the book is captivating. The illustrations by Tony Fucile are beautiful and make the girls that much more lovable. I would highly recommend Bink & Gollie to any young reluctant readers.

Buy It: Bink & Gollie is available in hard cover for $15.99

A copy of the book was provided for review. All opinions are my own.