Best Friend in the Whole World - by Sandra Salsbury (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In this sweet and moving picture book, debut author-illustrator Sandra Salsbury explores friendship, compassion, loss, and the transformative power of connection.

Roland lives a quiet life filled with art, music, and tea parties for one. It's a nice life, but sometimes he feels rather lonely. And then one day, Roland finds the perfect companion.

Milton may just be a pine cone, but they have so much in common. Milton also happens to enjoy drawing, listening to music, and drinking tea. And he's also alone.

But there are signs in the woods suggesting that someone else might be missing their best pine cone friend. Suddenly, Roland doesn't know if he truly cured his loneliness or if he just passed it on to someone else.

Review Quotes

"The simplified forms, curving lines, and muted colors in the watercolor illustrations suit this gentle, rather melancholy story well. . . . An engaging picture book with craft-project potential." --Booklist

"Who is the 'Best Friend in the Whole World'? After reading this sweet, sensitive tale, children can decide for themselves." --The New York Times

"Salsbury never allows the tale to become maudlin or cloying, as Roland selflessly deals with disappointment, remaining a kind and compassionate friend. Watercolor illustrations, appearing as vignettes and both single- and double-page spreads, enhance the tale with lively, detailed depictions of Roland's woodsy home, his expressions of sadness and joy, the sweet-natured Lucy, and, of course, the incredible Milton/Popkin. Young readers will sympathize with Roland and strive to emulate his kindness to his friends, whether real or imaginary. Life lessons gently told. Lovely." --Kirkus Reviews

"This picture book is charming in its simplicity and thoughtful in centering empathy as it quietly affirms the specialness of imaginary friends." --School Library Journal

About the Author

Sandra Salsbury received the 2018 SCBWI Don Freeman Illustration Grant. She has a BFA and MFA in Illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and lives in Berkeley, California, where she cares for numerous house plants and a software engineer. She enjoys hiking, snooping at open houses, and telling people what to do on the internet.