


Laggie and Grillo: An unlikely friendship
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Yoshi wants a pet so badly she befriends some backyard critters who aren’t likely to get along and brings them into her circle of family and friends for fun and frolic. ​
She aces a school writing assignment in the process by telling the tale in a poem that uses words from all over the world. ​
To be safe, I brought Grillo into my room, but I couldn’t sleep ‘cause he chirped all night! Sin dulces sueños*(No sweet dreams), more like a fright!
The next day, I built each of them a cardboard house, and told them, “Don’t be mean!” Then hoping they would listen, I built a twig bridge in between!
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​LAGGIE AND GRILLO: AN UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP not only helps children think about the responsibilities of keeping a pet, but also about the importance of helping opposites get along. It’s a multicultural friendship story so full of rhyming fun you’ll want to be a part of it!
A Laggie and Grillo: An Unlikely Friendship is more than just a delightful picture book. It's a valuable educational tool that introduces children to several Spanish, Yiddish, and Japanese words. As Yoshi crafts her poem, readers are not only entertained but also enriched with new words and their meanings.
- Kameron Brook, Reedsy Discovery
"This book is absolutely adorable! The artwork is beautiful and helps to bring Laggie and Grillo’s friendship to life. It’s a clever way to introduce young readers to different languages, making learning fun and engaging."
—Tonya Francisco, Mom and Host, Daytime Chicago, WGN-TV
“Laggie and Grillo is a colorful, engaging story about friendship and the beauty in learning responsibility and getting along. Delightful Yoshi and her talent for poetry helps us see how embracing differences can bring u closer together. She shows kids how they can express their emotions in healthy, expressive ways even when those feelings are sometimes anger and frustration. There is even a writing exercise where kids can create their own poem.
—Lisa Fyfe, Mom, and Author of How are you feeling? Explore all of your Emotions
Phyllis has spent many of her years witnessing and enduring the hard knocks of life. Perhaps that’s why she’s an author who best knows the value of curiosity, understanding and love. They make possible even unlikely friendships like Laggie and Grillo’s.
-Paul Meincke, Dad, Author of children's book "'What If?" and well known Chicago TV Journalist
Laggie and Grillo is a delightful celebration of friendship and cultural harmony, brought to life through a heartwarming story and stunning illustrations. The tale of the cricket and the lizard is both charming and meaningful, as it explores the bonds that unite us despite our differences. Laggie and Grillo is a must-read for families looking to inspire curiosity, kindness, and an appreciation for the world’s many voices."
- Derek Danziger, Dad and Author - "Teddy the Tiny Tree" and "I'm Autistic and I'm Awesome."
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