Iris and Walter and Cousin Howie

By Elissa Haden Guest

Book Overview

An easy-to-read story about friendship. -- School Library Journal In this Level 3 chapter book for newly independent readers, Walter's favorite cousin, Howie, comes for a visit. Iris expected the three of them to have lots of fun fishing and learning magic tricks. Instead, Iris feels left out and worries she will lose her best friend. Like other Iris and Walter books in the Green Light Reader series, this story addresses common childhood situations with sensitivity and honesty. Storyline also creates opportunities to talk about bullying behaviors, and, ultimately, shows characters developing clever ways to resolve their troubles.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0547850689
• ISBN13: 9780547850689
• Release Date: October 2012
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 44 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.8" x 8.8"
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

Review by Amy P.S. 39

In Iris and Walter and Cousin Howie by Elissa Haden Guest, Iris and Walter are best firends but then Walter's cousin Howie comes to visit. The problem in the book is that Howie doesn't want Iris to do everything they do. Will Howie learn to be nice to people? The problem starts when Howie whispered to Walter, "Does she have to do everything we do?". Iris hears and it makes her vey sad because she thought they could be friends. My opinion is that Howie is mean and I think it is not good to be mean to people. So if you are the kind of reader that enjoys friends like Iris and Walter, then this is the book for you. You could also read Iris and Walter are friends.

4 1/2* Relative Rivalry

Iris and Walter are best friends; they're apparently at that age when boys and girls don't segregate as they do a few years later. They're also full of idealism. Walter is excited that his older (age 9) cousin Howie is coming to visit: "Walter couldn't wait for his best friend and his favorite cousin to meet. `The three of us are going to have so much fun,' said Walter." Unfortunately, Howie isn't interested in making friends with Iris. In fact, his words are critical and his body language shows hostility and a distinct smug quality. (Illustrator Christine Davenier conveys this very well). He even seems pleased that he's successfully placed a wedge between Iris and Walter, a wedge that Walter doesn't see. When she overhears Howie whispering to Walter, "Does she have to do everything with us?," Iris rides her bike home and bursts into tears. Her supportive parents and grandfather comfort her, validate her feelings, and reassure her that she will remain Walter's best friend. And that's exactly what happens. This simple, warm book touches upon friendship issues that really occur, and that can be very upsetting. It need not be a visiting relative, this fear of replacement can happen, for example, when a best friend takes an exclusive interest in someone else for a while. The book shows how parents and other adults can play an important comforting/listening role, and it shows kids that unpleasant, upsetting things like this often resolve themselves. Davenier's casual pen-and-ink illustrations complement the story superbly, they are uniformly colorful, but depending on the scene, may be soft or swirly and action-filled. This 44-page book has a good pedigree, for the "Iris and Walter" books have won several awards, including a Publishers Weekly "Best Book of the Year." Recommended!

a story of friendship

Iris and Walter are best friends. Walter's cousin Howie is coming for a visit. Walter is excited to introduce Iris to Howie. Howie is he favorite cousin. When Howie comes things start to change. The boys start to leave Iris out of their activities. Iris's family helps her to work out her feelings. In the end things turn out just right!The book is a good story for early readers. The chapters are short and easy to read. It would make a great selection for 1st and 2nd graders.I would recommed this book to other. This is part of a series of books based on the characters Iris and Walter. It's a good way to get kids to enjoy reading.