The Adventures of Beekle
Author: Dan Santat
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Format: Book
Publication Date: April 8, 2014
Grade Level: PreK through 3rd Grade
Category: Fantasy
This Caldecott-winning book follows the journey of Beekle, the unimaginary friend who is waiting for a real child to imagine him. Tired of patience, he leaves his magical island and travels to a big, bustling city in search of that perfect match. My first introduction to Beekle was a stuffie at the local youth library. I had no idea the cute character was from a book until I saw the cover of Beekle months later! I knew then that I had to read it.
Plot. Beekle is a story moved by the question, "Will Beekle ever be imagined by a real child?" Because of his desire to be imagined, Beekle travels to the big city, experiences the ups and lows of life in the real world, searches endlessly until all seems lost, before finally forming a connection and fast friendship with Alice, a real child. The book ends after Beekle achieves what he set out to do, finding a friend, a conclusion that feels earned and sweet.
Illustrations. Santat does an excellent job at using muted tones to represent Beekle's sense of loneliness and wrongness when he observes the daily lives of adults in the busy city. On Beekle's imaginary island and the children's playground, bright colors indicate joy and creativity. And the colors become increasingly bright when Beekle meets Alice and again when their friendship is solidified.
Mood. I would describe the mood of Beekle to be uplifting. Santat does a very good job of making readers care about Beekle through his depiction of Beekle's loneliness, which makes the heartwarming ending feel like a very good payoff. Further, the whimsical illustrations and use of color would evoke a sense of wonder and creativity in children and adults alike.
References:
Santat, D. (2014). The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend. (D. Santat, Illus.). Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
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