The New Friend
Charlotte Zolotow, illustrated by Benjamin Chaud
A poignant evocation of childhood pain and jealousy at the desertion of a best friend, with a message of optimism and empowerment A child reminisces about the many joyful and playful moments she used to share with her dear old buddy, who has made a new friend. But although she is sad, she finds the strength to keep her head high and sets out to find a new playmate.
Iconic American author Charlotte Zolotow was also a poet, editor, and publisher of over 70 picture books for children. Her work was published by more than 20 different houses (many of which she outlived!). In 1998, the Charlotte Zolotow Award for outstanding writing in a published picture book was created. Benjamin Chaud was born in the Hautes-Alpes and studied drawing and applied arts at the Arts Appliques in Paris and the Arts Decoratifs in Strasbourg. His work has received multiple awards, and his books have been recommended by the New York Times. He was nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019.