This book depicts a young elementary schooler (I'm guessing kindergarten age) named Mickey and his best friend LongJohn. Together, the pair has to complete a relay race during their school's field day. I would recommend this book to kindergarten through 2nd grade students. This age group would be most appropriate because of the content of the book as well as the way it was written. There are about two sentences per page on top of two pictures. ( )

Mickey and his best friend and next-door neighbor Longjohn did everything together, from gathering bugs outside to constructing blanket-tents indoors. When their class had a field day, they were happy to be on the same team, and encouraged one another throughout all of the games and contests. But when Mickey's shoe fell off during the fifty-yard dash and he came in last, he couldn't be comforted, and withdrew from his friend. Fortunately, wise older sister Jenna knew how to set things right...

Field Day Friday is the fourth title from author/illustrator Judith Caseley about siblings Mickey and Jenna, following upon Mama, Coming and Going, Witch Mama and Mickey's Class Play. Although the story moves beyond the family circle depicted in the earlier books, and focuses on a common primary school experience - namely, Field Day - the role of family in offering support and encouragement is still important, as witnessed by Jenna's actions in bringing Mickey and Longjohn back together. I appreciated the fact that Caseley depicted Mickey's natural feelings of hurt, embarrassment and possible jealousy without comment or judgment, and that one possible solution - the comfort offered by the idea that one is valued as a brother and friend - is incorporated naturally into the narrative. Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books about friendship and family. ( )

This story teaches the meaning of friendship. The two young boys in this story are not only neighbors but best friends. They do everything together and are very kind to one another. When field day arrives and the boy race against each other, Longjohn beats Mickey. While the first place prize went to Longjohn. this left Mickey feeling sad. Longjohn and Mickey's sister pair up to give him the best first place prize yet. ( )

Best friend boys play together but don't win important race together creating negative feelings until his family & friend help out.
Ages: 4-6
Source Pierce County Library, UP Branch.

This is a good example of a realistic fiction book. The characters are all believable and probably remind the reader of someone that they know. The storyline is made up of events that could happen in real life and it involves situations that happen in day-to-day life. It isn't a stretch of the imagination for the reader to put themselves in the shoes of the characters and the feelings that they have.

Genre ( )