Keyana Loves Her Friend written by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley and illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow is an interesting and thought- provoking story about what happens when a best friend moves away with her family, and then after a while comes back for a visit.
Keyana’s preparations for Nia’s visit are totally organized by her based on what they used to love to do together. She plans every detail of what she calls a “super-spectacular sleepover” including the girls’ bike rides and their hip-hop punk rock dance parties. However, Nia turns up with a new hairdo and a new scooter instead of her bike!
Nia does not want to dance to rock music. She wants to show her old friend her new and very graceful ballet moves. At every turn Keyana is faced with the fact that her friend has moved on with many aspects of her life. And Keyana is afraid that Nia will forget her.
Keyana’s mother helps her to understand. “It’s natural for friends to change. But I believe your friendship can grow stronger if you try something different together.” After some distress, they eventually find the perfect way to connect---hopefully for a lifetime.
The rich illustrations were designed with digital media overlaid with a handmade watercolor texture. Each page of this story is full of fun-filled details, bouncy colors, and dramatic action. The joyous picture of the two girls holding on to each other with great big smiles will grab the attention of readers 4-8 years of age.
Keyana Loves Her Friend speaks to ideas, over-planning, hurt feelings, new ways, and lasting friendships. (Little, Brown and Company) 2023.
The Children’s Bookshelf is a production of WCMU. Links to the podcast and the Activity Questions can be found at Children’s Bookshelf dot org.
Activity Questions for Keyana Loves Her Friend
Take a close look at Keyana’s Super Spectacular Sleepover List located at the front of the book. Which is your favorite activity and why? Also, why did each of these ideas fail?
If you were to plan activities for a sleepover for one of your friends who you had not seen in a while, what would your activity list include? Now draw a poster of your list as Keyana did in the opening pages of this book. Make sure your poster is full of fun, color, and ideas.
As the illustration shows, Keyana makes cupcakes for the sleepover. Pick one up and take a bite. How does it taste? What would you prepare for your sleepover?
