Scribbly: A Real Imaginary Friend Tale

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)