Janell does everything with her best friend, Neesie, but Mama and Daddy can't seem to understand that Neesie's not made up. She's very real ... to Janell. In Me #38; Neesie, Eloise Greenfield offers a reassuring story about the special place an imaginary friend and a loving, caring family have in a little girl's heart. First published in 1975, Me #38; Neesie was selected as a Reading Rainbow book. This special thirtieth anniversary edition has been illustrated with new, vibrant paintings by Jan Spivey Gilchrist. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

PreS-Gr 2 This 30th-anniversary edition of Greenfield's beloved title features fresh, full-color watercolor-and-ink paintings. Gilchrist's update, a lively contrast to the duotone (pink and black) scenes created by Moneta Barnett in 1975, is sure to attract a new generation of readers. The warm palette depicts the antics of an African-American girl and her mischievous imaginary friend. Neesie's form is as defined and vibrant as her real counterpart, until Janell's first day of school. Then Neesie's body becomes transparent, and when Janell returns home in the afternoon, she can't find her companion anywhere. The text has been modified slightly: the concept of "spanking" now reads as "would have been in trouble," and some of the language has been changed to Standard English, although much of the vernacular remains. All children will relate to the universal quest for friendship and security and will find comfort in this loving family's support during a time of transition. Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information