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Table of Contents
About The Book
Friendship comes naturally to a boy who moves to town and instantly befriends a variety of plants in this heartwarming and funny picture book for fans of Strictly No Elephants and When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree.
When Spencer moves to a new town, his mom is worried he may have a hard time making friends. But it’s easy! First, Spencer meets Fred, who is an excellent listener. Then there’s Dottie, who’s a bit wild, and Eugene, who’s a jokester. The only thing is, Fred, Dottie, and Eugene are all…plants.
While the adults in Spencer’s life question whether he might want friends he doesn’t have to water, Spencer knows that friendship can blossom in the most unexpected places.
When Spencer moves to a new town, his mom is worried he may have a hard time making friends. But it’s easy! First, Spencer meets Fred, who is an excellent listener. Then there’s Dottie, who’s a bit wild, and Eugene, who’s a jokester. The only thing is, Fred, Dottie, and Eugene are all…plants.
While the adults in Spencer’s life question whether he might want friends he doesn’t have to water, Spencer knows that friendship can blossom in the most unexpected places.
About The Author
n/a
Becky Scharnhorst is the author of My School Stinks!, its sequel This Field Trip Stinks, How to Get Your Octopus to School, and Best Buds. She is a library worker from Wisconsin, where she lives with her family and several best buds. Her favorite is Dottie, but don't tell the others.
About The Illustrator
Photograph by Jiarui Jiang
Jiarui Jiang is an illustrator and storyteller based in China. After studying animation for four years, Jiarui graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art with a MA in illustration. As an illustrator, she brings her passion for storytelling and character design to children’s books. Jiarui’s works revolve around themes of nature, food, and more recently, beautiful insects. Best Buds is her debut picture book.
Product Details
- Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (July 8, 2025)
- Length: 40 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665960939
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Raves and Reviews
Spirited Spencer and his many plants will encourage other young readers to find friends and make connections in ways that feel right to them. Recommended.
– School Library Journal
A tenderly told, touching friendship tale.
– Kirkus, 5/15/2025
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): Best Buds
Hardcover 9781665960939
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Author Photo (jpg): Becky Scharnhorst n/a(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
