A cute story, however there were spelling issues and the text was hard to read at points.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A tale of finding realizing life needs people in it. Friends don’t always seen important when you are going through life but Gerald realizes that he can do everything perfect and the same each day or he can spice up his life with friends.

I really enjoyed this. The pictures are great and the story has a great moral.

Thank you NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

GERALD NEEDS A FRIEND – ROBIN BOYDEN
PUBLISHED BY – QUARTO PUBLISHING GROUP – FRANCES LINCOLN CHILDRENS BOOK
PUB DATE 20TH APRIL
Gerald, a guinea pig lives alone. He is a stickler for routine and does everything on clockwork – getting up, gardening to dinner and reading before bedtime which is at 7pm. He is very contended with his life and follows it everyday. One day he goes to a new market in town where he meets 2 mice. With initial hesitancy and reluctance he finally enjoys himself like never before. He goes back home but he doesn’t seem to enjoy his routine anymore and feels something missing.
This book gives a very important message that sometimes one needs to step out of their comfort zone to try new things, make new friends in this case. Because unless you try you won’t come to know what you will miss out on!
The best part about this book are it’s beautiful illustrations!! It’s said that a picture can say 1000 words and this case it’s absolutely true. Both my daughter and me enjoyed this book thoroughly.
Thank you Netgalley and Quatro publishing group for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Well done!!! Where do I start?
The illustrations are beautiful.
What a great message!! Gerald thought his life was complete; he had everything he needed. But he discovered the value of friendship. I love how he grew from nervous to confident and happy.
I did find an error, on the page with tea. The text said he had tea. And then he had tea. I also found that text difficult to read with the dark background on the top of the page.
I would love to use this book in my Health classroom to go with friendship lessons. :)

A nice and short story about the importance of friendship and having friends to share stories with. I loved how the story showed the moment of Gerald's realization and verbalizes it. The illustrations are cute and pleasing to look at with vibrant colors as well.

Sensational book to learn the value of true friendships. Gerald thought he had it all, living alone in his comfort zone, following his routine severely. Until one day he discovers his friends and the real fun and nothing he did before has the same satisfaction. Even though it is a book aimed at children, I believe it is important for all readers, especially to remember, to appreciate even the short moments with friends.
The illustrations are beautiful, well done and with vibrant colors that catch the reader's attention and make reading a lot more dynamic and fun.
I recommend the book and appreciate the opportunity to read it.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for honest feedback. I think that the shining strength for this book is in its brilliant, colorful, and highly engaging illustrations. Some are nearly full-page, highly-detailed illustrations that are quite beautiful. I think that these illustrations drive home the storyline, which features Gerald and a few other animal critters. Gerald realizes that he would like some friends to spice up his routine. He connected with new friends and it made him feel better to share.

t can be very hard to make friends and being alone may seem easier. Gerald learns the value of true friendship in sharing. The characters are loveable and engaging for all ages. The illustrations are a window of conversations with your young reader as well.

A special thank you to Quarto Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

The story is about a guinea pig who lives alone in his very scheduled life and doesn't know that he is missing out by not having friends. One day he meets two enchanting mice who show him what he's missing out on and they all become fast friends.
The story and its message are important and well done, but it is all of the intricately detailed illustrations that are so splendid and enjoyable! Look out, grandkids, books incoming!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books/Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

Cute little book about gardener Gerald making new friends and realizing how to have fun with them. Easy read for small children with lots of adorable pictures.

Gerald lives a very happy, very structured life. Then one day a new exciting diversion appears and changes how he views fun and his routine. This book has the cutest illustrations and such a great message about fun and friends!

Gerald is a guinea pig who likes his routine, his hobbies, and his isolated world. He meets two mice that love helping others who pull him out of his shell. Gerald learns how wonderful it can be to face his social anxiety and make friends. I like that this book encourages children to try new things and shows the benefits of stepping outside our comfort zone. The illustrations are gorgeous and whimsical and really add to the story.

Thank you Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing this ARC.

This really attractive picture book packs a lot in. In covering Gerald, the stickler for routine, who does his gardening then follows the exact same schedule by the clock each and every day, we see the pros and cons of such a risk-free life, we see social anxiety as he finds two ebullient mice with their stall on the market, and he sees the benefits of friendship and having fun when... well, that would be telling. It's noticeable that, despite the title, he does look to have the perfect garden and perfect life, before he learns to let his hair down a bit. And the perfect garden – and all the other details of the story, from creatures on unicycles up – are expertly conveyed too, with charmingly colourful spreads that don't go down the overly detailed route, but are just right. Four and a half stars.