The Last Day Julian Was My Best Friend

In this suspenseful friendship narrative, Jensen Shaffer examines what happens when one companion betrays the trust of another. Anthony, portrayed with pale skin, begins by remembering the day that Julian, shown with brown skin, shared the beautiful marble Julian’s grandfather gave him—his “best present ever,” which they play with all spring. Then the treasure somehow goes missing. Repeatedly calling an idyllic day the friends spend together “the last day Julian was my best friend,” Anthony describes a pancake breakfast, a beach outing, and a campout. That night, when Julian says, “You’re my best friend,” Anthony hands over the marble with an apology, and even then, Julian believes the best: “My marble! You found it!” When realization dawns, Anthony’s confession both ends the agony of unsaid words and leads to a surprising resolution. Breezy digital slice-of-life illustrations by Lew-Vriethoff depict expressive faces and summery landscapes. Ages 5–8. (June)