Making New Friends by Jacqueline H. Blumenstock, David C. Pool, Colleen M. Madden (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

Awards: Mom's Choice Award, June, 2005

TJ is hesitant at first about going out to meet the kids in his new neighborhood. Then, while playing with one of the moving boxes, TJ is surprised when the box comes to life!

Browny explains that he is there because of TJ’s imagination and that he wants to be his friend. Browny transforms into an airplane created by TJ’s imagination and takes TJ on a flying adventure that he will remember forever.  TJ comes to realize it is okay to miss his old friends, and that he doesn’t have to be afraid to make new friends.  Children (and their parents) will enjoy discovering how Browny helps TJ develop the self-confidence to form new friendships.

At the end of the story, Browny is shipped to Virginia, the site of the next book in the Browny Big Box Adventure Series. Children will enjoy using their imagination to discuss what other types of adventures Browny might have in future books.

Armchair Interviews - Alia Pranke

"Making New Friends is a wonderful addition to a child's library, whether they are moving to a new residence or find themselves in new surroundings where they have to meet new people. Armchair Interviews says: If you're going to move and have young children, this book can help with the transition. "

What People Are Saying

Betsy B. Lee
"A big brown box holds all sorts of possibilities for an imaginative child. I'm eager to read more about Browny's adventures. I highly recommend this book."
—Learning Abilities Books

Cheryl McCann
"Making New Friends beautifully addresses this challenge, which is a common challenge for children of mobile families. Young readers will find it interesting and it should spark lots of imagination. I highly recommend it."
—Editor, Review Books

"I found this story touching and I could feel TJ's loneliness in his new home. I think this book could help children of any age to use their imaginations and entertain themselves instead of moping over things that are inevitable."
—Community News Editor, Wytheville Enterprise

" Making New Friends treats the corrugated box not as a commodity, but as a pathway to adventure and elevates it"
—Editor, Board Converting News

Tara E. Crooks
"The Big Brown Box is a lifesaver. What a wonderful way to teach children valuable lessons, while also having them actively use their imagination. Reference: Making New Friends - In the world of military life, kids moving is simply a part of life. Browny helps ease the anxiety by providing kids and outlet to share their fears about their new location. I also love the factual maps. This is a great book for any military child. I look forward to more in the series"
—Host Army Wife Talk Radio

Ms. A. Brueck
"I've read it ["Making New Friends"] to the class several times and they have thoroughly enjoyed it. It is the perfect story to share with the kindergarten students when they come to visit first grade."
—First Grade Teacher

Taisha Turner
"Making New Friends" helps a child build self-confidence and make new friends. T. J. like many children is unsure how the children in the new neighborhood will like him. Browny shows him he'll have no problem making friends. The maps and facts of each state Browny moves is a wonderful bonus."
—Children's Books Editor, BellaOnline.com

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