Review: Bink and Gollie: Two for One by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee

Bink & Gollie: Two for One
By Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee

Illustrated by Tony Fucile

Candlewick Press

ISBN: 9780763632663
$15.99
Grades K-2
In Stores

*Best New Book*

Find it at:
Schuler Books | Your Library

The cycle of book buzz is such that sequels often get the short end of the stick. There’s a “been there, done that” attitude that often results in sequels receiving fewer reviews and less talk. As well-known children’s literature pundit Jay-Z said, “On to the next one”. This seems to be the case with Bink & Gollie: Two for One, an excellent book that debuted fairly quietly back in June. The first time out, DiCamillo, McGhee, and Fucile knocked it out of the park, and this strong follow up is a book that deserves plenty of notice as well.

The state fair has come to town and friends Bink and Gollie are not going to miss it. Over the course of three interconnected short stories, we run the gamut of emotions, from humor to embarrassment, disappointment to hope. The spunky Bink tries to win the world’s biggest doughnut in a game of “whack the duck”. The level-headed Gollie tests her courage at a talent show. And in the final chapter, the duo visit a fortune teller, recapping their day at the fair and learning some comforting news about the future.

If you’ve read the first Bink & Gollie, you know it’s a tweener – part easy reader, part picture book. Same goes for this one. The interplay between text and illustration is outstanding – a testament to the talent of DiCamillo, McGhee, and Fucile, who’ve turned out a book that seems to have come from one mind, not three. The economical text is paired with artwork that isn’t afraid to carry the story. At times comical, at times poignant, Fuclie’s expressive artwork bursts with humor and emotional weight.

Like it’s predecessor, Two for One resides in a category all its own. Have you added it to your collection yet? I would hate for you to miss out.

Review copy from the library.

Also reviewed by Waking Brain Cells, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast,

Filed under: *Best New Books*, Reviews