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The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend (Caldecott Medal Winner) Hardcover – Picture Book, April 8, 2014

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,354 ratings

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Dan Santat's Caldecott Medal-winning The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend is a humorous and thoughtful celebration of friends.
This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and--at long last--is given his special name: Beekle.

The #1
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Dan Santat--creator of After the Fall and Are We There Yet?--combines classic storytelling with breathtaking art in an unforgettable tale about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one's place in the world.

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From the Publisher

The Baby-Changing Station by Rhett Miller, illustrated by Dan Santat The Alphabets Alphabet by Chris Harris, illustrated by Dan Santat Lift by Minh Le, illustrated by Dan Santat No More Poems! by Rhett Miller, illustrated by Dan Santat Drawn Together by Minh Le, illustrated by Dan Santat Are We There Yet? by Dan Santat
The Baby-Changing Station The Alphabet's Alphabet Lift No More Poems! Drawn Together Are We There Yet?
Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
12
4.6 out of 5 stars
536
4.7 out of 5 stars
228
4.6 out of 5 stars
266
4.7 out of 5 stars
582
4.5 out of 5 stars
186
Price $8.01 $6.27 $8.01 $10.99 $7.99 $10.59
Discover the luminous artwork of Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat A laugh-out-loud rhyming story about an older sibling who gets an opportunity to trade his younger brother for cool stuff. For fans of P is for Pterodactyl comes this groundbreaking spin on the ABCs from an acclaimed bestselling author and artist duo! From the creators of Drawn Together comes the tale of a magical elevator that will lift your spirits--and press all the right buttons! In the tradition of Shel Silverstein, these poems bring a fresh new twist to the classic dilemmas of childhood and modern family life. With text by Minh Lê, this story about reaching across barriers will be cherished for years to come. After reading this inventive book (that even turns upside down for several pages!), you'll never look at being bored the same way.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2—How long would you wait and how far a journey would you make to find your truest friend? Born on an island for imaginary friends, Beekle waits to be "imagined by a real child." He waits and he waits, but his turn never comes. Filled with impetuous courage, Beekle does the unimaginable and heads out across deep waters until he reaches the real world. He finds that life there is so harried that no one notices him. Eventually, as he waits at the top of a star-leafed tree, a small girl with a friendly face calls out to him with a picture in her hand. They learn to be friends, share adventures and snacks, joke, "and together they did the unimaginable." Santat's attention to detail in the mixed-media illustrations shares a child's eye for laughter and movement on full-bleed spreads with strategically placed text. Gazes of wonderment, broad smiles, and changes in perspective ensure an easy transition from page to page. Beekle's round white visage and taped orange paper crown are immediately identifiable in each scene, a sharp contrast to his surroundings against variations of dark neutrals on a city street or the brightly colored dragons of a child's imagination. Like Beekle's new friend, there's something here that feels just right as an "unimaginary" friendship creates a joyous, recognizable bond. A terrific addition to any library.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

Review

Caldecott Medal Winner

New York Times Bestseller

#1 Indiebound Bestseller

Huffington Post Best Overall Picture Book of 2014

PBS Parents Best Picture Book of the Year

NPR "Great Read"

ALSC Notable Book for Children
A Chicago Public Library Best Picture Book of the Year

"
[A] sweet, mind-bending gumdrop of a tale."―The New York Times Book Review

"Bursting at the seams with charm."―
The Huffington Post

* "There's something here that feels just right as an "unimaginary" friendship creates a joyous, recognizable bond. A terrific addition to any library."―
School Library Journal (starred review)

"Beekle [is] a crowned white gumdrop of lovable cuteness...Welcome, Beekle. It's nice to know you."―
Kirkus Reviews

"This story would comfort children looking for new friends and would also encourage children to reach out to someone different."―
LMC

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Illustrated edition (April 8, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0316199982
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316199988
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 2 - 7 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD480L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.88 x 0.5 x 11.38 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,354 ratings

About the author

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Dan Santat
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Dan Santat is the Caldecott Medal-winning and New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, Are We There Yet?, and After the Fall as well as the illustrator of many other picture books, including Crankenstein by Samantha Berger. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and various pets. He invites you to visit him online at dantat.com.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
1,354 global ratings
My favorite... And my 2 1/2 yr old loves it too!
5 Stars
My favorite... And my 2 1/2 yr old loves it too!
Our new favorite book! The story is truly in genius and it is perfect for my 2 1/2 year-old to explore her imagination. Great book for a kid with an imaginary friend! The illustrations are beautiful and bright and detailed at times, contrasted by beautiful and dark or dull. Somehow though the darkness never conveys as anything negative, in my opinion, but makes for a beautiful contrast and gentle expression of loneliness and the need for a friend.The last page of the book dedicates the book for Alek and explains that the illustrations are "done in pencil, crayons, watercolor, Inc., and Photoshop. And the text was hand lettered." It really is such a fun Book to read and my favorite by far.!
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2015
Beekle is an imaginary friend without a friend. He keeps waiting for someone to imagine him, so he can meet his special friend and have awesome adventures. But he gets tired of waiting and decides it's time to do something about it. Beekle isn't one to wait around.

My kids are 6. They LOVE Beekle. We read it almost every night. They love the amazing story and the beyond beautiful illustrations, but their favorite part is to pick out the pieces of the story that aren't told in the words; just in the pictures. It lets them take an active role in the storytelling. This would be especially great for kids even younger who haven't started to read yet, as they can still participate in the development of the story, even if mom or dad does the reading.

I can't recommend this book enough!
13 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2016
Our new favorite book! The story is truly in genius and it is perfect for my 2 1/2 year-old to explore her imagination. Great book for a kid with an imaginary friend! The illustrations are beautiful and bright and detailed at times, contrasted by beautiful and dark or dull. Somehow though the darkness never conveys as anything negative, in my opinion, but makes for a beautiful contrast and gentle expression of loneliness and the need for a friend.

The last page of the book dedicates the book for Alek and explains that the illustrations are "done in pencil, crayons, watercolor, Inc., and Photoshop. And the text was hand lettered." It really is such a fun Book to read and my favorite by far.!
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite... And my 2 1/2 yr old loves it too!
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2016
Our new favorite book! The story is truly in genius and it is perfect for my 2 1/2 year-old to explore her imagination. Great book for a kid with an imaginary friend! The illustrations are beautiful and bright and detailed at times, contrasted by beautiful and dark or dull. Somehow though the darkness never conveys as anything negative, in my opinion, but makes for a beautiful contrast and gentle expression of loneliness and the need for a friend.

The last page of the book dedicates the book for Alek and explains that the illustrations are "done in pencil, crayons, watercolor, Inc., and Photoshop. And the text was hand lettered." It really is such a fun Book to read and my favorite by far.!
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10 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2023
What a lovely idea for a book! And the illustrations, wow—so beautifully express the heart of the story. This book is one to cherish, read and read again and again!
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2020
My son absolutely loves reading this book at bedtime. The illustrations are so magical, and the story is not over-simple or too complex. Perfect for a child. Highly recommend if your children have huge imaginations, and if you are a parent who enjoys reading and taking time to wonder at the illustrations and ask questions to your child as you go.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2018
This was a very sweet story about friendship and finding a place to belong, very much deserving of its award. However, I gave it 4 stars because, despite its gorgeous artwork, I was disappointed to see that this story has some imagery that perpetuates a stereotype toward Asian peoples. Three images of an Asian girl with slits for eyes decorate the endpapers and last-page spread. Asian people have eyes with whites and pupils just like other humans do. While this may seem like a small thing to some, it is a visual that is very damaging to those it depicts and to those to view it, as this is often the only way they see Asian peoples portrayed. If it helps validate my statement, yes, I am Asian, but please don't see this as a posting of my taking offense or being over sensitive, rather I am more concerned with the damage this does to the children and others who view it. I'm not saying this book should be ignored as it is a wonderful tale with a great lesson, but if you are to add this to your library, I encourage you to talk about these images with your children or students. It's important that they are made aware that this is an improper and racist way to depict the Asian population. It saddens me that the author himself is a Thai-American, but him being so does not make these images okay to create, rather it is that much worse coming from such a source. You may be thinking "that's just his art style," but please consider this statement; a racist drawing does not equate art style or artistic validation, it is simply what it is.
19 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2019
I stumbled onto this book at Half-Price books and had to order another as a gift. Although I love collecting children's books, it was easy to add this one to my collect as it has a great story-line and the artwork is truly Beautiful! If you are looking for a great book to add to your children's collection, or as a gift for someone special, please consider this wonderfully crafted book about Beekle.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2018
This has to be one of the greatest children's books I've read as an adult. It is a heart-warming story of isolation, and of bravery, and of friendship. It is also incredibly versatile across grade levels. For instance, as a book for back-to-school, this book explores the stages of building a new friendship, and opens a dialogue for how friends are made, something that is needed at any age. I've had children design their own imaginary friends, and write short stories about adventures they have, and it's been one of the most enjoyable parts of my year.

This book deserves every award.

As an added bonus, there is a stress toy, based on an alien from Doctor Who that bears a striking resemblance to Beekle. I have taped a paper crown onto its head, and when children are experiencing frustration, or need a reminder that there is always a friend waiting for them, they give "Beekle" a squeeze. Link Below.
Doctor Who Adipose Stress Toy
11 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2016
I purchased this book book because it won the Caldecott Award. This was a great book for any child or adult who has or had an imaginary friend. The story is great for children and for adults. As a school librarian I have read this story to my students for the past two years (the year it won and the next). The children love the illustrations and the cool imaginary characters. They also love that you can see Beekle's butt. As an adult, I loved the story and the parts the students don't get.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Mar
5.0 out of 5 stars Hermoso
Reviewed in Mexico on May 5, 2021
Me encantó, sentí un poco inconcluso el final pero es para dar rienda suelta a la imaginación de los niños
PH
5.0 out of 5 stars Superb
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 19, 2019
Just brilliant. Cannot wait to share with my class. Sometimes a book has all the messages you want to say
Vinamrata
5.0 out of 5 stars In love with this!
Reviewed in India on July 29, 2019
My son's favorite book. He has an imaginary friend too, so he was able to relate to this fairly well. He wants a sequel so badly.
One person found this helpful
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David Wooldand
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliantly written and illustrated book
Reviewed in Australia on March 24, 2023
Wonderful book- beautifully illustrated and fantastic unique story
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David Wooldand
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliantly written and illustrated book
Reviewed in Australia on March 24, 2023
Wonderful book- beautifully illustrated and fantastic unique story
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Rachael
5.0 out of 5 stars Splendid Story with Delightful Protagonist
Reviewed in Canada on June 2, 2016
Oh, sweet Beekle. The story begins with our little imaginary friend being born on a faraway island. The island is the birth place of all imaginary friends, and it is where they live until chosen as a special friend to a special child. He waits patiently for a child to choose him...but no one ever does. Growing tired of waiting, he sets off on an adventure to find the perfect friend for himself. After searching the city, he finally finds his perfect match who gives him the name, Beekle. This is a charming and inventive story with beautiful illustrations, and a delightful premise. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, is the sort of picture book that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
One person found this helpful
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