LeoNora M. Cohen

Martin & Miranda Are Friends

This story is about the friendship of two preschool children, Martin and Miranda. They share food, birthdays, and toys. They think about each other, offering the first piece of cake or pizza to their friend,  reminding each other to make healthy choices. They enjoy quiet times, looking at pictures in books or helping each other put puzzles together. They play games, help each other to be safe, share experiences and pretend play, and do chores together. They tell each other secrets and give each other hugs. They are so happy to be friends!

Young children do not automatically know how to be friends.  This book helps children to talk about what friends do and how to be one.  Parents or adults who work with children can have conversations using this book. Such topics as sharing, caring, playing, being safe and healthy, taking turns, doing chores, and enjoying experiences together make sense when pictures and words are discussed.

The photos by Lise Guillemette of two adorable little ones
in the Mexican context expressing their friendship makes the concepts easy to understand. Their joy in being with each other and playing together is evident.

The book is bilingual, in English and Spanish, so young
children can learn words in both languages. It is appropriate for children ages 2-6. The print is large, helping young readers negotiate the text.

All profits from sale of this book benefit Rotary Club of
San Miguel de Allende Midday. Rotary is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on friendship and peace. In San Miguel, this is attained through stove and water projects and others that benefit the community.

About the Photographer: Lise Guillemette

Lise Guillemette received a degree in Urban Geography, a minor in Fine Art in Montreal and a Teaching certificate in Vancouver, BC.  She taught all the primary levels in a French Immersion school for 18 years,
especially enjoying work in kindergarten. Discovering colonial Mexico in San Miguel, where she spends winters, inspires her. For the last 10 years she has concentrated on photography, her love of small children evidenced in the photos in this book.