The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Santat, Dan. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend. New York: Little Brown and Company, 2014.  ISBN 978-0-316-19998-8

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This is the story of an imaginary friend waiting for a child to imagine him.  After waiting for many nights, he sets out on a journey to find his friend. The real world doesn’t turn out to be quite what he imagined, and after more searching he still can’t find his friend. Sad, alone, and ready to give up, he finally hears her, and they discover that they are perfect friends.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This story of perseverance and acceptance, makes Beekle a unique, loveable character from the very beginning. As he travels from his island home into the, often scary, real world, the reader can only hope that this journey will lead him to his real friend. As time passes, without that connection, the reader hopes for him to find a friend but can relate to the sadness of continually being left out and all alone. Finally, readers meet Beekle’s one true friend and delight in the adventures that were impossible alone.   

The colorful illustrations perfectly complement this book. The emotions that Beekle feels, like sadness and fear, are depicted through more monochromatic color schemes, like browns and grays. When he is hopeful or excited, however the picture is filled with vibrant colors. The double-page layout style gives readers the feeling of traveling and moving on the adventure with Beekle. The last three pages remind readers of the joy and excitement of finding a best friend and being able to share everything with that one special person.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2015 CALDECOTT MEDAL

Best Overall Picture Book of 2014 by Huffington Post

ALSC Notable Book for Children

From The Huffington Post: "We should all be grateful that Santat, with his brilliant use of color and humor, was here to bring Beekle to life.”

From School Library Journal: “How long would you wait and how far a journey would you make to find your truest friend? A terrific addition to any library.”

From LMC: “This story would comfort children looking for new friends and would also encourage children to reach out to someone different.”

5. CONNECTIONS

Other Caldecott Medal books:

•                      Sendak, Maurice. Where the Wild Things Are. ISBN 0064431789

Other Dan Santat illustrated books:

•                      Buckley, Michael. Kel Gilligan’s Daredevil Stunt Show. ISBN 141970379X

•                      Diesen, Deborah. Picture Day Perfection. ISBN 1419708449

•                      Zappa, Ahmet. Because I’m Your Dad. ISBN 142314774X

Use as a guidance lesson on friendship, perseverance, and/or acceptance.

Use with a social studies unit on geography, comparing and contrasting locations.