Amos & Boris

Written by William Steig

Grade:

1-3

ISBN-13:

978-0312535667

Publisher:

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2009)

This beautiful story tells of the unlikely friendship between a mouse who falls overboard at sea and the whale who rescues him. Seeking exploration and adventure, Amos builds a boat and sets sail. After falling into the sea, a nearly exhausted Amos is rescued by the friendly whale, Boris, who agrees to bring him back home. During their journey a deep and meaningful friendship begins, and the two come away with love, admiration, and gratitude for one another. One friend’s sacrifice is followed by the promise of another, and years later another sacrificial act strengthens their bond. Not merely scratching the surface of the meaning of friendship, this profound and heartwarming story demonstrates how friendship is interwoven with admiration, gratitude, kindness, and understanding.