About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating a friendship with someone who has a completely different personality, or when they are learning that 'winning' looks different for everyone. It is a delightful collection of three short stories following Bink and Gollie, two best friends who represent the classic tall and short, quiet and boisterous dynamic. Through their adventures at the state fair, the book explores how to support a friend's unique goals, even when they seem silly or impossible. With sophisticated vocabulary and hilarious illustrations, the stories emphasize that teamwork and loyalty are more important than any prize. It is an ideal bridge for early readers moving into longer chapters, offering a warm and funny model for how to disagree, compromise, and celebrate each other's quirks. Parents will appreciate the way it celebrates individuality without making it a source of conflict.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None.
Ideal Reader
A 7-year-old who loves wordplay and irony. This is perfect for the child who has a 'best friend for life' but finds that they often want to do different activities. It's also great for kids who enjoy 'odd couple' humor like Frog and Toad but are ready for more complex vocabulary.
Parent Prep
This story is straightforward and requires no prior historical or topical context to enjoy. Parents might want to look up what a 'whack-a-duck' game is if the child hasn't been to a carnival, but the illustrations do the heavy lifting. A child expressing frustration that a friend doesn't want to play the same game or feeling nervous about a school talent show.
Age Experience
Younger children (6) will focus on the slapstick humor and the quest for the giant donut. Older readers (8-9) will appreciate the sophisticated 'big words' used by the characters and the subtle irony in the dialogue.
What Makes It Special
The writing style is uniquely elevated. DiCamillo and McGhee use 'SAT words' in a way that is funny rather than educational, giving the characters a distinct, theatrical voice that sets it apart from standard early chapter books.
Read plot summary
The book is composed of three interconnected stories set at a local state fair. In the first, Bink tries to win a giant donut at a game of skill, requiring Gollie's help and logic. In the second, Gollie enters a talent show and experiences the nerves of performance while Bink provides backstage support. In the final story, they visit a fortune teller who confirms what the reader already knows: they are destined to be friends forever.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Bink really wanted that giant donut! How did Gollie help her, even though Gollie didn't think it was a good idea?
2
When Gollie was on stage for the talent show, how did Bink help her feel more confident?
3
Madame Prunely makes a prediction about the girls' future. Do you think you have to be exactly like someone to be their best friend?
4
Bink and Gollie use a lot of fancy words. Which word was your favorite, and what do you think it means in the story?
