The Adventures of Annie Mouse: Annie Mouse Meets a New Friend 
 Author: Anne M. Slanina 
 Since this is a special book that teaches friendship I decided to create a unique and special review just for young readers and Annie: 
 Dear Annie: 
 Being a true friend requires work. Understanding that not everyone is the same and embracing our differences is a special gift that I noticed you definitely have. School is out and I know that you are looking forward to summer vacation. None of your school friends live close by so you must have been excited when a new family moved in down the path near your home. Molly the Mole seems nice. She loves to play with you and you have accepted the fact that she is blind. But, when school starts Molly is afraid to attend Mouse Field Elementary School. She even tells you that she is afraid that the other kids won't accept her. Not only is she blind but also she would be the only Mole in the school. Just how would the other mice act when they meet her? 
 Friendships are tested in many ways. Just what will you do if your friends are mean to her? How do you choose between Molly's friendship or will you stick with Gina and Mindy? Let's find out a little more about what happens when they all meet before you decide. 
 The first day of school will be a definite test for you and your true character. Meeting Mindy and Gina on the playground and at lunch you learn just how mean they can be. They do not want to eat lunch with your new friend and they won't let her sit at the same table with them. They do not want to include her in any games on the playground. What are you going to do? The next day you do something that really disappointed me too. Poor Annie: How would you solve this problem? That is why I am so glad you turned to me for guidance and help. Listen to your heart and decide how you would feel if you were Molly. "Would real friends make you choose?" Think long and hard before making up your mind. What are you going to do when Gina and Mindy are mean to Molly again? What are you going to do at lunch? What can you learn from Molly? What will happen at the end is up to you! 
 You have to decide for yourself, Annie. What is the true mark of a real friend? Would a real friend hurt your feelings just to be popular and accepted by the in crowd? Would a real friend stand aside while others hurt you? Find out what Annie does and if she digs deep in her heart and listens to my advice and answers the questions put forth before making her final choice and deciding whether she wants Mindy and Gina as friends or Molly. 
 I am here if you need me. Close your eyes and pray and ask for me to come; 
 Your own Guardian Angel 
 Author and educator Anne M. Slanina asks the reader to define meaning of a true friend. Questions such are where do you place are loyalties is a great discussion question. She brings out the fact that some kids do not accept others that are different and can be really mean. Many lesson area learned in this book. This is a great book to teach kindness, understanding, friendship and love to students. It is great that the author shows the reader how Molly can use her other senses to see the world. The illustrations help tell the story and young readers can look at the pictures and create the story in their minds. They are colorful, cure and bring Annie and her friends to life for everyone. Character Education is important and so many lessons can be taught using this book. Adults just might learn something too. Annie: It is all up to you to decide what is right. 
 You friend: Fran Lewis: reviewer, educator and fan of Annie the Mouse. 
 FIVE GOLDEN GUARDIAN ANGELS