Title: An Amazing Friendship
Subtitle: Unbreakable friendship – The remarkable journey of Isaiah and Midnight
Author: Margaret Browne
Illustrator: Angel De la Pena
Publisher: XlibrisAU
ISBN: 979-8-3694-9860-6
Pages: 27
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book
Reviewer: Beth Adams
Pacific Book Review
The bond between a boy and his dog is a classic theme for many children’s stories because of the loyalty and love the canine offers and the ability to sense the emotions of the human. In An Amazing Friendship, author Margaret Browne has created a comforting and relatable sequence of events between Isaiah, a young boy, and his lovable black lab Midnight.
Isaiah and Midnight live in a small town, and they are inseparable, doing everything together. They take walks and have adventures, and Midnight patiently waits outside the gate for Isaiah to emerge after school. Midnight seems to understand everything Isaiah is saying, for example while walking to school Isaiah was talking about becoming an astronaut to a friend as Midnight was walking with them, seemingly understanding the human conversation.
The illustrations artfully depict the storyboard of the text, showing an adorable black dog and a handsome young boy being portrayed in the various scenes of the book. The overall kindness Isaih has for Midnight and the love which bonds the two are gently repeatedthroughoutthestory. AtonepointIsaiahsaystoMidnight,“You’renotjustmy best friend, Midnight, you are my family.” This, of course, is how many dog owners feel about their furry friends and for those reading this story having dogs of their own I am sure they understand. For those not owning a dog, this book may influence them to get a new family pet!
The bond they have was apparent to everyone in the town, as people would wave to them with happiness and enjoy seeing Isaiah and Midnight walking together. One day as Isaiah and Midnight went on an adventure through the woods, walking through tall grass, Isaiah climbing trees, and by a stream they found an old coin, making the moment deeply impressionable and having a souvenir, so to say, to keep. It should be noted that Midnight never needed a leash, nor a collar, because he would never leave Isaiah’s side.
The story begins and ends within a short period of time, meaning Midnight does not grow from a puppy to an adult dog within the story, nor does Isaiah graduate school – it’s just a snapshot of a brief time in the lives of these two. The love theme and simple storyline is geared toward the younger reading audience and with the abundance of illustrations makes a great bedtime story. An Amazing Friendship is a delightful story that shows kids the joy of caring and the adventures that come from having a best friend.
