Shy, plump, and lonely, Cherry longs to have a friend. She finds a very good one when she discovers that the owner of Olive, the shy, plump, wrin kly, and lost puppy she has been caring for at her father’s animal shelter, is Angelo, a popular classmate. Lacombe’s use of perspective, color, and detail ing in his stylized illustrations for this beautifully designed book is intriguing; he deftly shows the special relationship that develops between Cherry and Olive. 2008 USBBY Outstanding International Books List, a Book Sense Pick. ca

Originally published as Cerise Griotte in French by Seuil Jeunesse France, in 2006.

Cherry Sullivan prefers reading books to playing with the other children in her class. They make fun of her for being plump, and they are not nearly as entertaining as the adventures she reads about. Though she's shy and keeps to herself, Cherry secretly longs for a friend.

When she discovers a stray dog at her father's animal shelter that is also plump and shy (and a bit wrinkly), she names her Olive and they become fast friends. Cherry finds the courage within herself to stand up for the dog and protect her�something she has not been able to do for herself.

Beautifully illustrated, this touching story is sure to strike a chord with all who have ever felt a little lonely and yearned for a friend.