The Girls; Lauren Ace, illustrated by Jenny Løvlie

Under an apple tree, four of the very best friends meet; adventurous Lottie, creative Leela, caring Sasha and entertaining Alice. The tree was the perfect place to share secrets, dreams, worries and schemes. Tears would flow, laughs were shared and hearts would be broken and mended. The seeds had been sown for a friendship that would last a lifetime. As the girls became women and began to lead their own lives they would always have their friendship to keep them close together…

True friendship is an amazing gift and this is what this delightful picture book is all about. The Girls is a beautiful story of a lifelong friendship and follows four very different children as they grow from young, playful girls into strong women. Along the way there are successes and failures, there are tears and smiles, there are new arrivals and hasty departures but no matter what, the girls are there for each other because true friendship lasts a lifetime.

It is an absolute joy to follow the paths of the four girls and with lots of positive messages on dreams, diversity, acceptance, talents, race, religion and sexuality, young girls will feel empowered to live their best lives. After all, there isn’t one right way to live your life and this is wholly embraced by the very differing paths that the women choose.

Although this is a picture book for children, it easy to relate to it as an adult and it had me thinking about my own friends. I have known my three best mates since I was little and now live on the opposite side of the world to them but like the women in the story, our friendship bond remains as strong as ever and we are always there for each other. 

Lauren Ace’s words and Jenny Løvlie’s charming illustrations make for a read that is overflowing with kindness, compassion and the joys of friendships that last a lifetime. This glorious and feel-good story of highs and lows, good times and bad is an absolute gem!

Recommended for 6+.