It is all large abstract canvases, modern chairs and tall, cold, tinkling drinks. Gollie lives in a Bauhaus-inspired home-for-one at the top of a large tree. Bink’s wild hair, almost a character in itself - obviously. Gollie’s tidily cuffed pants and matching jacket - of course. The conversations in “Bink and Gollie,” written by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, provide the illustrator, Tony Fucile, with the foundations of a world he fleshes out to create a place both oddly particular and warmly familiar. The episodes are self-contained but build in intensity, culminating in the near death and daring rescue of Fred and in a new honesty between the friends. Who’s the smart one after all? Who’s the confident one? As is true in every relationship, all is not what it seems. Readers begin to notice, however, that in her vague way Bink gets exactly what she wants in each episode, whether it’s garish socks or acceptance of Fred the fish.

Seven Impossible Things Before BreakfastĮnter your email address below to receive notifications of new blog posts by email.“Fish know nothing of longing,” said Gollie.

One Book, Two Books, Old Books, New Books.

At times comical, at times poignant, Fuclie’s expressive artwork bursts with humor and emotional weight. The economical text is paired with artwork that isn’t afraid to carry the story. The interplay between text and illustration is outstanding – a testament to the talent of DiCamillo, McGhee, and Fucile, who’ve turned out a book that seems to have come from one mind, not three. If you’ve read the first Bink & Gollie, you know it’s a tweener – part easy reader, part picture book. And in the final chapter, the duo visit a fortune teller, recapping their day at the fair and learning some comforting news about the future. The level-headed Gollie tests her courage at a talent show. The spunky Bink tries to win the world’s biggest doughnut in a game of “whack the duck”. Over the course of three interconnected short stories, we run the gamut of emotions, from humor to embarrassment, disappointment to hope. The state fair has come to town and friends Bink and Gollie are not going to miss it. The first time out, DiCamillo, McGhee, and Fucile knocked it out of the park, and this strong follow up is a book that deserves plenty of notice as well.

This seems to be the case with Bink & Gollie: Two for One, an excellent book that debuted fairly quietly back in June.

As well-known children’s literature pundit Jay-Z said, “On to the next one”. There’s a “been there, done that” attitude that often results in sequels receiving fewer reviews and less talk. The cycle of book buzz is such that sequels often get the short end of the stick.

Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamillo