Picture Book – Social Themes – Friendship – Ages 4-8

Published: 4/8/2014

Winnerof the Caldecott Medal

#1New York Timesbestselling andaward-winning creator Dan Santat combines classic storytelling with breathtaking art in an unforgettable tale about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one’s place in the world.

This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and–at long last–is given his special name: Beekle.

From the creator ofmany beloved books includingAfter the FallandAre We There Yet?comes a gently humorous, utterly endearing and deeply thoughtful celebration of friends.

AUTHOR BIO:

Dan Santatis the Caldecott Medal-winning andNew York Timesbestselling author and illustrator ofThe Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend,Are We There Yet?, andAfter the Fall, as well as the graphic novelsThere’s a First Time for EverythingandThe Aquanaut. He is the illustrator of many other picture books, includingDrawn Togetherand Lift by Minh L,Because I’m Your MomandBecause I’m Your Dadby Ahmet Zappa,The Alphabet’s Alphabetby Chris Harris,No More Poems!by Rhett Miller, and the Crankenstein series by Samantha Berger. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and various pets. He invites you to visit him at dansantatbooks.com, or on Twitter and Instagram at @dsantat.

Caldecott Medal WinnerNew York TimesBestseller#1 Indiebound BestsellerHuffington PostBest Overall Picture Book of 2014PBS Parents Best Picture Book of the YearNPR “Great Read”ALSC Notable Book for ChildrenA Chicago Public Library Best Picture Book of the Year“[A] sweet, mind-bending gumdrop of a tale.”The New York Times Book Review“Bursting at the seams with charm.”The Huffington Post* “There’s something here that feels just right as an “unimaginary” friendship creates a joyous, recognizable bond. A terrific addition to any library.”School Library Journal (starred review)“Beekle [is] a crowned white gumdrop of lovable cuteness…Welcome, Beekle. It’s nice to know you.”Kirkus Reviews“This story would comfort children looking for new friends and would also encourage children to reach out to someone different.”LMC