Meet My Best Friend is a picture book by Sheila Walsh, with illustrations by Sarah Horne. The story follows the McDougal twins as they excitedly welcome their new neighbor, Abby, who has just moved in next door. Abby, however, feels sad about leaving behind her old friends and all that was familiar to her. The twins, eager to cheer her up, invite her to join them on an exciting treasure hunt to find their best friend. But there's a catch—Abby has to figure out who (or what) their best friend is!

The story begins with an engaging premise: Abby trying to settle into her new home while coping with the loss of her old life. The McDougal twins, eager to make a new friend, set out to help Abby feel welcomed, and their efforts are endearing. The illustrations by Sarah Horne are vibrant and playful, evoking a whimsical tone reminiscent of Dr. Seuss’s style. This initial setup, paired with the light-hearted nature of the book, creates the promise of a sweet, charming read.

However, things take an unexpected turn when the twins reveal the identity of their "best friend"—the Bible. As the story progresses, their quest to find their best friend leads Abby to the Bible, and the message becomes more overtly religious. This caught me off guard, as I had initially assumed the twins' best friend might be something more tangible or universally relatable, like a pet or a beloved object. While the Bible is undoubtedly cherished by many, I found the idea of it being presented as a "best friend" a bit too abstract, especially for younger readers. Books can be powerful sources of comfort and escape, but likening a book to a best friend felt disconnected from the more typical, physical friendships that children understand.

As someone who practices Christianity, I’m familiar with the importance of the Bible in religious contexts. However, my concern lies not with the religious element itself, but with the way it’s introduced. The book’s heavy-handed approach may feel more suited to a Sunday School setting or a religious household, where its message would resonate more fully. In my personal experience, religious fiction can sometimes come across as overly preachy or unrealistic, and that’s how I felt about the portrayal of the Bible as the McDougal twins' best friend. For readers seeking a more subtle approach to religious themes, this book might feel a bit overwhelming.

In conclusion, Meet My Best Friend could be a wonderful addition to a Christian home or Sunday School library, particularly for parents who wish to introduce their children to the importance of the Bible in a fun and accessible way. However, for those who prefer books that avoid overt religious agendas, this may not be the right choice. Additionally, readers should be aware that this book is part of a series titled The Bible Is My Best Friend, which continues exploring this theme.