Because they are different in almost every way, people wonder why Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley are friends. Actually, their differences comple ment each other, and that is just what makes them such great friends. This simple friendship story is illustrated with imaginative paintings that dramati cally show first the differences between Pearl and Charlie and then examples of why these differences serve so well to make them best friends. The artwork is intriguing and sophisticated enough to appeal to a wider audience than the brief text would suggest. Children’s Book Council of Australia’s 2008 Book of the Year: Early Childhood. ca

Originally published by Penguin Australia, in 2007.

A delightfully uplifting tale about self-belief, courage, and—above all—the power of friendship. Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley are the best of friends. But they are different in almost every way: Pearl loves solving mysteries and moves rather fast in the world, and Charlie likes taking leisurely baths and watching his flowers grow. So how can Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley be such good friends?