Cherry and Olive

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.

BENJAMIN LACOMBE has worked as an advertising artist, a freelance artist, and is also the illustrator of a comic series. He has written and illustrated several other picture books in France. He lives in Paris. Visit his Web site at
www.benjaminlacombe.com