Angelina and Alice

Holabird, Katharine. Angelina and Alice. Penguin Group, 1987.

Angelina and Alice by Katharine Holabird, is part of an early elementary series about a mouse, Angelina, who is in elementary school and the many adventures of her life. In this book, Angelina has a best friend named Alice whom loves to do gymnastics. One day Angelina was practicing a handstand in the play ground and falls in front of all of her friends. Suddenly all the children began to laugh and tease her including Alice. Angelina became very upset and no longer wanted to be a part of the gymnastics festival. In the end Alice helps Angelina with her gymnastics and they learn what it means to be best friends.

Throughout the book the colorful illustrations by Helen Craig shows the movement of the mice when they are practicing gymnastics. The curvature and swirls follow behind the mice to show their tumbling and previous positions. On one page it shows three different scenes of her doing a handstand. This is important because it shows Angelina’s expression and how her gymnastic movements lead her to fall.

This book shows the struggle of competition between friends. During the younger years of our lives our main goal is to have friends and fit in. When Angelina embarrasses herself on the playground, Alice leaves her in order to fit in with her friends. The story concludes with the lesson to always be there for your friends which is a very common children’s book message.