Charlie is Sam’s tomboy new neighbor (“I’m warning you: Never call me Charlene,” she tells him) who quickly becomes Sam’s best buddy. Sam Too is Charlie’s younger sister and is, as the parentheses in the title indicate, mostly peripheral to the story. In five short chapters, Kimmelman (The Three Bully Goats) explores how Sam and Charlie negotiate the rough patches of their friendship. Although the dynamic is familiar—think Marc Brown’s Arthur and Francine—what sets this story apart is that all the characters are Jewish, something that is matter-of-factly revealed in chapter two through Charlie and Sam’s mutual love of hamantaschen but never referred to directly. For many Jewish readers (and their parents), Kimmelman’s breezy, unshowy assumption of a shared faith and vocabulary will be refreshing; it also means she doesn’t stop her narrative to explain what a hamantaschen is, what Purim is, or, later, that “Cheery Bin” is a beloved Jewish camp song. In genial, full-color cartooned drawings, newcomer Tambellini underlines the messy and imperfect moments in a budding friendship through his characters’ untamed hairdos and rough-and-tumble outfits. Ages 6–8. (Mar.)
". . .any child will understand the universal themes of this early chapter book. Each of the five stories emphasizes an element of friendship, including sharing, kindness, and saying sorry." Booklist, March 15, 2013
"The plot and the writing are kept simple but appealingly realistic as Sam and Charlie negotiate their newly formed friendship. . . Kids somewhere between Frog and Toad and beginning chapter books will find this bridges that gap nicely." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, May 1, 2013
"Tambellini's illustrations complement the action beautifully. . ." Kirkus Reviews, February 1, 2013
". . .what sets this story apart is that all the characters are Jewish, something that is matter-of-factly revealed in chapter two through Charlie and Sam's mutual love of hamantaschen but never referred to directly." Publishers Weekly, January 14, 2013
Gr 1–3—The opening-Leviticus 19:18, "Love your neighbor as yourself"-sets the theme as children quickly form a friendship. Sam meets two sisters, Charlie and Sam, referred to as Sam Too, when the girls move in next door, and each of the five stories focuses on an aspect of a universal experience. In "Sick Day," Sam tries to comfort Charlie, who is ill, but his thoughtful attempts fall flat, and he learns that giving flowers to someone who is allergic is not the best idea. The friends' interactions focus on common themes, such as competition and tact; their Jewish faith is lightly infused in their discussion of holidays, religious traditions, and food. Dialogue emphasizes the youngsters' relationship throughout. Color cartoon illustrations keep the fresh, angular characters the central focus. Simple musings occasionally provide a didactic slant. For example, on Yom Kippur, "They promised each other they'd try harder and be even better friends in the coming year." This early chapter book is an overly earnest exploration of childhood experiences.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC
Not even the worthy subject matter can overcome the herky-jerky writing in this rare glimpse into everyday Jewish life. Over four short chapters, a boy and a girl become good friends in spite of misunderstandings. When Sam overhears that the new kid next door is named Charlie, he's initially thrilled to find a playmate. To his surprise, he discovers that both Charlie and her little sister Sam (or "Sam Too") are girls. That makes little difference, though, since Charlie's a stellar buddy. The chapter on "Sharing" tests that new friendship when both Sam and Charlie crave the last prune hamentaschen. They're closer after Sam aims to cheer up Charlie on "Sick Day," but "The Bad Haircut" undoes that good with a callous comment. Finally on "I'm Sorry Day," aka Yom Kippur, the two apologize, and hilarity ensues. The text's level of difficulty is ideal for the emerging reader taking baby steps into chapter books, but even the great subject matter (the everyday lives of Jewish kids) can't make up for abrupt transitions between those chapters, lines like "Friendship is the best medicine," and odd lessons on losing on purpose to keep a friendship going. Tambellini's illustrations complement the action beautifully but cannot save the weak writing. Nevertheless, it fills a gap in the marketplace, hopefully paving the way for stronger fare. (Early reader. 6-8)
