“Tea Cakes for Tosh”

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote: “The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him.”

Sometimes, though, what one thought was a friend turns out to be something quite the opposite.

Fortunately, not all friendships are this way. There are many that have learned to treat others the way they wish to be treated.

And while a poor “friend” experience may occur from time to time, the beauty of the human spirit propels us to forge on with hope to discover new relationships that are real, filled with trust, and therefore, glorious.

Today's recommended books address the topic of friendship in a variety of ways; friendship found within the family unit and outside of it.

In all three selections, the emphasis conveys a glimmer of what we all seek: friendship in its purest form, and that's worth reading about and pursuing — always.

The following book is available at many public libraries.“Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia” by Barbara O'Connor, Farrar Straus Giroux, 122 pages; read aloud: age 9 and older; read yourself: age 9 and older.The moment Bird saw the new child, Harlem Tate, she knew they were a lot alike — misunderstood, treated like dirt, and avoided by just about everyone. Bird could tell Harlem needed a friend just as much as she did, so she made it her mission to be his friend, no matter what it might take.It wouldn't be easy, though; Harlem had a thick, protective wall around himself.When the state spelling bee was announced with some big prizes for the winners, Bird asked Harlem to be her partner.Reluctant at first, he finally agreed and they began to study together every day. Their command of spelling grew, and so did their friendship.When the day of the spelling bee arrived, neither one had any idea that they'd come away with the best prize of all — true friendship.Fast, funny and full of moments that tug at the heart, this selection excels.

Library: Prospect Community Library, 357 Main St., ProspectLibrary Director: Lou PocchiariChildren's Librarian: Jill HambleyChoices this week: “Where is My Mother?” by Julia Donaldson; “Inside Mouse, Outside Mouse” by Lindsay Barrett George; “The Cow That Went Oink” by Bernard Most

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.“You Were the First” by Patricia MacLahlan, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin, Little, Brown, 2013, 36 pages, $17 hardcover; read aloud: age 3 to 6 and older; read yourself: age 6.This selection is tender and loving tribute to the first child in a family and all of the “first” things the child experiences.From being the first child to sleep in the baby basket, the first to smile, to blow a kiss, to make a snow angel, the first to throw a ball and all of the other “firsts” that are so miraculous to new parents, prolific writer Patricia MacLachlan gently pinpoints the developing friendship and love between parent and child.And no matter how many other children may come into the family, “You were the first to teach us how to be parents.”Lovely beyond lovely, “You Were the First” is a real gem.“Tea Cakes for Tosh” by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by E.B. Lewis, Putnam, 2012, 32 pages, $16.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 5 to 8; read yourself: age 7 to 8.Tosh and his grandma Honey have a very warm relationship. They spend a lot of time together, and Tosh especially loves his grandma's tea cakes and the stories she tells him of times long ago.One day, Grandma starts to forget things, including how to make tea cakes.Grandma Honey is troubled by her forgetfulness, and later that day Tosh decides it's his turn to do something special for Grandma Honey — make tea cakes for her and tell her favorite story — the one she's been telling him all of his life.Beautiful illustrations grace this wonderful story of the bonds of friendship, love and trust between generations.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at her website www.greatestbooksforkids.com.

“You Were the First”