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mbrandmaier's review
3.0
This is a story of two little boys. Raphael loves Jerome. They are best friends. Raphael's parents seem a bit uncomfortable with his love for Jerome, though.
beths0103's review
5.0
A beautiful story about two boys who are best friends and aren’t afraid to express their affection for each other.
matthewabush's review
2.0
I gotta admit, I found this one a little bizarre. As a parent I am not sure that I want to write a book where a grade school child favorably compares his friend to his father.
sarahannkateri's review
I didn't enjoy the artwork, and I think something was maybe lost in translation. I'm all for the all-encompassing love of children, but this kid's obsession with Jerome comes off as creepy, especially when he's like, 'I love this guy so much I want to eat him, haha only kidding'. Maybe I just watch too much Law and Order SVU, but I just want to tell Jerome to RUN.
rc211's review
This book is very educational to show children about love and bonds created by friendship(s). That it is ok to love someone regardless of a person’s gender/identity.
mat_tobin's review
5.0
It is easy to tell someone that you love them; especially when you know that the feeling is unquestionably reciprocated. But, for Raphael, our young narrator, it is a little more difficult because society isn't ready to accept his love for Jerome. In a beautiful, French picturebook written by Scotto (translated by Bedrick and Snelson) and illustrated by the wonderful Tallec, who blessed us with [b:Big Wolf and Little Wolf|6226468|Big Wolf and Little Wolf|Nadine Brun-Cosme|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1354209189s/6226468.jpg|6409050], is a story that celebrates the fierce love one boy has for his best friend.
With a beautiful narrative rhythm in both image and text, Raphael introduces us to his best friend, Jerome, who seems a little older and a little more assured but will still, happily grip his friend's hand tight whilst they cycle and walk around the suburb or stick up for his smaller friend if he is picked on at school. The time they spend together, sharing each other's food or running and laughing together sees the pages awash in bright yellows and reds; Raphael's happiness literally brightens the page. Yet when his parents question his friendship and wish of him that he would adhere to what it is boys should do and how they should be, Raphael finds his very beliefs and understanding of love questioned and with that, his world becomes saturated in moody blues.
It is only when Raphael casts off these doubts through remembering the reciprocal simplicity of the love he and Jerome have for each other that he escapes.
I can see why Popova calls it a text to adds to the LGBT community but it could also be something that celebrates the gradual chipping away of entrenched masculine ideologies in which boys can hold hands and love each other the same way girls can. Whatever your interpretation, and both are welcome, this is a beautiful story which all children should encounter.
With a beautiful narrative rhythm in both image and text, Raphael introduces us to his best friend, Jerome, who seems a little older and a little more assured but will still, happily grip his friend's hand tight whilst they cycle and walk around the suburb or stick up for his smaller friend if he is picked on at school. The time they spend together, sharing each other's food or running and laughing together sees the pages awash in bright yellows and reds; Raphael's happiness literally brightens the page. Yet when his parents question his friendship and wish of him that he would adhere to what it is boys should do and how they should be, Raphael finds his very beliefs and understanding of love questioned and with that, his world becomes saturated in moody blues.
It is only when Raphael casts off these doubts through remembering the reciprocal simplicity of the love he and Jerome have for each other that he escapes.
I can see why Popova calls it a text to adds to the LGBT community but it could also be something that celebrates the gradual chipping away of entrenched masculine ideologies in which boys can hold hands and love each other the same way girls can. Whatever your interpretation, and both are welcome, this is a beautiful story which all children should encounter.
pwbalto's review
4.0
My only quibble with this book is that it's a little circumspect. One of my co-workers thought that the reason Dad wasn't a big fan of Jerome was that he was imaginary, and Dad wanted his son to make 'real' friends.