Review of The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve
Authors and publishers are not able to post replies in the review topics.
- Rishaunda Lynnette Britton
- Book of the Month Participant
- Posts: 168
- Joined: 18 Aug 2023, 15:28
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 144
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rishaunda-lynnette-britton.html
- Latest Review: I Wonder Why It's Christmas by Esther Ekunola
Review of The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve
Grover, a donkey, and Steve, an ostrich, are different from each other in several ways, ranging from their bodies' structure to their way of life, but they somehow learn to accommodate their differences and forge great friendships. This does not go down well with other animals living in the Great Plains, especially Grover's fellow donkeys, but Grover and Steve are determined to maintain their friendship and are ready to endure every mockery and isolation. Soon, an incident occurs in the Great Plains, and no one ever expected who would save that situation. There are lessons to be learned.
The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve is a children's story written by Lee Cherry. I found the story interesting and was always anticipating and wondering what next turn Grover and Steve's friendship would take, given that most animals in the plains considered their friendship incompatible. I also appreciated the simple word choices used in the narrative, which should make it very easy for children to read the story.
Furthermore, the story teaches children invaluable lessons that are very much needed in this time of prevalent quest for external validations and divisive ideologies. Among others, the story criticizes any forms of bigotry, encourages respect for other people's identity (be it their body structure, race, or gender), and celebrates the beauty of being courageous to walk alone—if it comes to that—in adherence to one's values and convictions. Grover, Steve, the leader of the donkeys, and the leader of the ostriches perfectly represented the themes explored in this story. This is a well-edited work. I didn't find any grammatical errors in it.
However, there are some areas that I think need improvement. Although the illustrations served their basic functions of complementing and adding depth to the story, the quality didn't impress me much. I would have appreciated clearer and richer paintings. Also, the narrative about Grover and Steve's defense of the plains didn't appear convincing to me. I think creating a more organized and larger number of participants in the defense (which should include more dangerous animals like hyenas and elephants) or giving Grover and Steve special powers to match the task at hand would make things more realistic.
I am removing one star due to the above issues and giving this book four out of five stars. The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve, written by Lee Cherry, is recommended for readers aged six to eight. I am confident they will be impacted by the great values explored in this story.
******
The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
- Priya Murugesan
- Posts: 395
- Joined: 27 Jan 2020, 01:51
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 45
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-priya-murugesan.html
- Latest Review: The Sound of Creation by Gabriella Zielke
-
- Posts: 54
- Joined: 04 Feb 2024, 17:21
- Favorite Book: Original Wisdom
- Currently Reading: If... and other stories
- Bookshelf Size: 50
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-george-nduuru.html
- Latest Review: Original Wisdom by Donna Bond
- 2024 Reading Goal: 100
- 2024 Goal Completion: 3%
- Alex Lynn
- In It Together VIP
- Posts: 215
- Joined: 09 Nov 2023, 11:38
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 51
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-alex-lynn.html
- Latest Review: God, Science and the Bible by Arnold V Page
- Vinay Penubothu
- Posts: 188
- Joined: 19 Nov 2022, 22:01
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 23
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-vinay-penubothu.html
- Latest Review: UNEMPLOYABLE by Alysia Edith Silberg
-
- Posts: 219
- Joined: 10 Feb 2024, 22:49
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 23
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-anil-baade.html
- Latest Review: A Toast to Travel by Fraser Beath McEwing