Priscilla and Rosy

Valentina Cesaratto is a high-school teacher specializing in dramatic
arts and film studies.

“‘Some friend you are,’ snorted Cuthbert, and Priscilla
frowned.” Priscilla had made plans to work on a new puzzle the next
day with Rosy, her best friend. Then Rudolph invited her to go on a boat
ride. Priscilla accepted, of course, because she had never been on a
boat trip. Rosy was not invited. What should Priscilla do? Tell Rosy the
truth or lie to her?

After thinking it through, Priscilla realizes that she can’t be mean
to Rosy and calls Rudolph to decline the trip. When she goes over to
Rosy’s house the next day, she finds that Rosy is sick and cannot
play. No matter who Priscilla calls, they are busy. No matter what
Priscilla does, it doesn’t make her day any better. It isn’t until
the end of the day that she realizes that as bad as her day has been, it
couldn’t have been worse than being sick in bed and all alone like
Rosy. So Priscilla packs up some food and heads over to her friend’s
house because that’s what good friends do—they stick together
through good times and bad.

Sharon Jennings has written a fine story that can be used at home or in
the classroom to discuss and reinforce the golden rule, “Do unto
others as you would have them do unto you.” Linda Hendry’s amusing
illustrations (Priscilla and Rosy are both rats) add a humorous touch to
the endearing story. Highly recommended.