Scribbly: A Real Imaginary Friend Tale

by Ged Adamson, Ged Adamson (Illustrator)

Overview

Imaginary friends are real friends.

When Maude moves to a new town, everything feels…okay. Things would feel just right if only she had a friend.

So, Maude draws a blue puppy and names him Scribbly.

He plays catch, takes naps, but most importantly, Scribbly teaches Maude the importance of staying true to herself and gives her the courage to meet new friends—both human and four-legged.

This heartfelt picture book from Ged Adamson, the creator of Shark Dog! and Ava and the Rainbow (Who Stayed) is perfect for fans of Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson, The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat, and The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062670823
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	06/22/2021
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	499,110
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Ged Adamson has worked as a cartoonist, a storyboard artist, and a composer for TV and film. He grew up in Liverpool and now lives in London with his partner, Helen, and their son, Rex. He is the author and illustrator of the first book in the series, Shark Dog!, and Ava and the Rainbow (Who Stayed). He is also the author of Douglas, You Need Glasses! You can visit him online at  www.gedadamson.com.

Ged Adamson has worked as a cartoonist, a storyboard artist, and a composer for TV and film. He grew up in Liverpool and now lives in London with his partner, Helen, and their son, Rex. He is the author and illustrator of the first book in the series, Shark Dog!, and Ava and the Rainbow (Who Stayed). He is also the author of Douglas, You Need Glasses! You can visit him online at  www.gedadamson.com.

Editorial Reviews

07/19/2021

Maude, the dark-haired, pale pink–skinned narrator of Adamson’s picture book, is the new kid in town. Addressing the lack of a playmate, creative Maude draws a dog in indigo crayon and names him Scribbly; he soon becomes Maude’s constant companion. When brown-skinned neighbor Louie invites Maude to his birthday party, Mom advises Maude to leave Scribbly at home. But when Maude “really, really needed him,” Scribbly saves the day. In a refreshingly affirmative spread, Mom focuses on Maude’s qualities over Scribbly’s existence: “You taught Scribbly how to dance,/ how to draw,/ and how to do magic./ Scribbly is special and fun because YOU ARE.” Adamson’s pencil and watercolor art has a doodled—“kind of... scribbly”—quality, with an inclusive cast of cartoonish characters in a subdued palette. Readers and guardians alike will appreciate the charming canine friendship and compassionate parenting. Ages 4–8. (June)

Publishers Weekly

In a word: “scribbnificent.”  — Kirkus Reviews

A generous reminder of the values of understanding, self-confidence, and support for what others personally need as a comfort during trying times. — School Library Journal

A sunny, satisfying picture book. — Booklist

Kids expecting a situation where they’ll be forced to socialize with a new group will relate to Maude’s predicament... — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Readers and guardians alike will appreciate the charming canine friendship and compassionate parenting. — Publishers Weekly

Dogs, whether real or imagined, are a girl’s best friend in this book that may soothe social anxieties over being the new kid. — Horn Book Magazine

From the Publisher

Kids expecting a situation where they’ll be forced to socialize with a new group will relate to Maude’s predicament...

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Dogs, whether real or imagined, are a girl’s best friend in this book that may soothe social anxieties over being the new kid.

Horn Book Magazine

A sunny, satisfying picture book.

Booklist

Kids expecting a situation where they’ll be forced to socialize with a new group will relate to Maude’s predicament...

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

A sunny, satisfying picture book.

Booklist

05/01/2021

K-Gr 2—After moving to a new home in the city with her mother, a creative young girl draws a simple, life-sized dog named "Scribbly" to become her imaginary friend. Feeling lonely and awkward about making new friends, Maude relies more and more on Scribbly's company, even at a neighbor's birthday party. Between the playful scenes, there is a delicate lesson about building self-worth to be found in Maude's inability to let the idea of Scribbly go. Maude's newfound friends kindly accept Scribbly as a reassuring presence for Maude, but Maude's mother gently teaches her daughter that Scribbly merely reflects the very best of what Maude already possesses and to believe in her own worth and talents, as her new friends already do. True to the sweet nature of the story and "doodle-happy" aspects of Maude's joyful, if sometimes timid, personality, Adamson's pencil and watercolor illustrations express sketch-like qualities and easy, flowing angles in the figures. Thinly outlined features and uncluttered scenes allow elementary readers' eyes to center on Maude's relationships and interactions. VERDICT A generous reminder of the values of understanding, self-confidence, and support for what others personally need as a comfort during trying times.—Rachel Mulligan, Westampton, NJ

School Library Journal

2021-04-14
What would you do if you didn’t have any friends?

In this sweet story, Maude and Mom move to a big city with lots of fun things to do and see, but there’s one thing missing: a friend. Rather than feel sad, Maude gets to work. A little scribble here, a blue line there, and voilà—a dog named Scribbly to be a companion. Mom thinks Maude is too old for an imaginary dog, but Scribbly is the best friend Maude needs. They do everything together: nap, play fetch, and even have tea parties. When Maude is invited to neighbor Louie’s birthday party, nerves set in. Fearful of being the new kid all alone, Maude brings Scribbly along to help break the ice, and soon all the kids want to play with Scribbly. With help from Mom, Maude realizes it wasn’t Scribbly that was the hit of the party but instead Maude’s own self. Writing his story from Maude’s perspective, Adamson uses his signature warm watercolor-and–colored pencil artwork to illustrate it. Created from just a simple, blue dog outline, Scribbly expresses as much emotion, character, and heart as all the fully illustrated characters. Readers will feel all the emotions associated with trying to make new friends and learn that letting people see how unique and special you are is as rewarding as it is scary. Maude and Mom have pale skin and dark hair; Louie presents Black, and his party guests are somewhat racially diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

In a word: “scribbnificent.” (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews