Always by my side A stuffie story

Reinhardt's (Gondra's Treasure) story feels designed to pluck at readers' heartstrings, from its shy, white-skinned protagonist's adorably saggy blue overalls to the child's beloved reptile plush toy, a gangly pink and green polka-dotted companion with long limbs that are perfect for wrapping around a kid-size head when the dark proves a bit frightening. "I will always be by your side," begins the narrator, who seems to channel the steadfast toy's inner thoughts while employing an adult's wistfulness. The toy accompanies the apprehensive child on the first day of school, where the duo establishes a friendship with a brown-skinned child who has a lion cub stuffie; as the two humans begin navigating the world together, the toys are literally and emotionally relegated to the sidelines. The poignancy may be too much for readers (in one of the final scenes, the reptile stuffie, who has promised "We will always be together./ Even when we are apart," is left behind on the bed, holding a drawing of itself with its kid). But the child proves constant and thoughtful, and the final image assures readers that growing up and gaining independence doesn't have to mean abandoning those who gave love and comfort along the way. Ages 3--7. Agent: Marietta Zacker, Gallt & Zacker Literary. (Mar.)

A tale of devotion told from the point of view of a stuffed animal. "I will always be by your side." A disheveled tot with a mop of unkempt hair holds tightly to a lumpy, squishable stuffie. It's not immediately clear who is speaking to whom. Both of them look pretty dependent on each other. But as they go on various adventures, it becomes clear that it's the stuffie who proclaims its loyalty over and over again. "When you are sad, I will hug you." (The two tightly embrace.) "I will listen to your secrets and never tell." (The pals are splayed on the floor, locked eye to eye very seriously.) And on the first day of school: "When you feel alone, I will keep you company." (The youngster and stuffie stand together on the playground, watching others play.) But a sudden tug on the stuffie's tail changes everything. A new friend…also with a stuffie! As the pair's friendship grows, the stuffies are gradually left behind. A particularly heartbreaking scene shows the forlorn stuffie amid an endless galaxy of black, just waiting. But that makes the joy when the two are reunited all the more sweet. The animal's floppy frame instantly conjures much cuddling and love, and children will enjoy seeing it get bigger as the protagonist grows. The main tot presents White, and the new friend has a darker complexion and tight, frizzy black curls. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9.5-by-19-inch double-page spreads viewed at 22.4% of actual size.) Some bonds last a lifetime. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.