Iris and Walter

Iris and Walter by Elissa Haden Guest, illustrated by Christine Davenier

Iris's family moved from the big city to the country.  Iris was sad because she missed things from her old life - like roller skating in the long hallway, tango music at night from a neighbor's apartment, playing baseball after dinner with the neighborhood children, and her big front stoop.

Iris's mother and father tried to cheer her up by suggesting ways she could play.  Iris did not cheer up.  Iris's grandfather asked her to take a walk with him.  While walking, Iris told her grandfather that she hates the country because there are no children.

"Iris, my girl, there must be some children somewhere," said Grandpa.

"Do you think so?" asked Iris.

"I know so.  We shall have to find them, Iris.  We shall be explorers!"

Iris and Grandpa walked until they found a huge tree.  A ladder came down as they stood under the tree talking, and Iris climbed up.  Iris found a tree house and a boy her age in the tree.

"Hey, Grandpa, there's a kid up here named Walter!" yelled Iris.

"How wonderful," said Grandpa.

And it was.

Iris and Walter became good friends.  They played together everyday and taught each other things - like how to roller skate in the house, and how to ride a pony.  Even though Iris still thought about her old life in the city, she was happy in the country because there were fun things to do, and a new friend to share in the adventures.

This is a good book for beginning readers - or for anyone facing a move to a new town.  Even though Iris is sad at first, her family is there to try to comfort her.  I particularly like that Iris' grandfather tells her "You may tell me anything" when they go walking and Iris confides in him.

Iris and Walter has colorful illustrations on every page.  There are four chapters.