They look adorable on the cover. Two kids ready for adventure. I figured there would be bumps, but nothing like they actually had.
Not Really Buddies (Buddy and Bea) by Jan Carr and illustrated by Kris Mukai had more bumps than a Three Stooges movie. The character of Buddy has a lot going on. First, is his name, Buddy. I am assuming that is what he is called and not his birth certificate name, but that is what we are told his name is (after all you can’t have the “I am taking my “buddy” with me joke” otherwise). Second, he might be autistic or young for his age. Which would be interesting to explore if not for the rest of the students. Unfortunately, some of the other characters are also seemingly too young for their second grade actual age, especially Bea. The mistakes, attitudes and issues feel kindergarten/first grade level. Granted it is only the first week of school between books, and therefore, they are not that much older than they were last year, still these kinds of issues feel as if they would not be issue by second grade.
Then there is book two, Tiny Tornadoes (Buddy and Bea) also by Carr and Mukai.
The character of Buddy still has a lot going on. I forgot to mention his two dads (but it’s not a big deal, just he has that happening. We also have Bea with her mom and grandmother so we have various family structures). And of course, he is still dealing with Bea the new girl (I also forgot to mention she is new). And he has (almost) survived his first week of school (there are still a day or two left). Still there are issues, such as Bea with her lack of personal space giving and her not understanding people’s needs, problems with another classroom, and even getting the understanding of the rug might seem greener in the other classroom, but that does not mean it is. While book two is better than the first, as this time there is actually a story and not just an introduction, it was still too modern for me.
Both books deal with modern ideas, but try to stay “young friendly.” There is a lot that could be explored, that just is glossed over. Such as their teachers’ family are immigrants, that they have a supporting cast of diverse people and they could especially deal with Bea grabbing Buddy, pushing him around, being a bully. If a boy was acting towards a girl in the same way, it would be the whole focus of the story and a negative one at that.
I can see kids ages five/six (to be read to) up to about nine enjoying it, but I am not sure I would recommend the series. Find copies and see what you think. Both volumes are available and book three is due in March 2024, Pet-A-Palooza (Buddy and Bea).
