The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve by Lee Cherry (Book Review #1870)

Lee Cherry’s children’s book, “The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve,” is an enchanting exploration of friendship amidst diversity and adversity. The story revolves around Grover, a donkey, and Steve, an ostrich, who despite their physical and lifestyle differences, forge a profound friendship on the Great Plains. This bond is not well-received among their respective species, particularly the donkeys, leading to isolation and ridicule. Yet, when a crisis strikes their community, Grover and Steve’s unique friendship becomes unexpectedly crucial.

Cherry’s narrative is compelling and filled with anticipation as the reader wonders how Grover and Steve will navigate the prejudices against their friendship. The language is simple and accessible, making it a great choice for young readers. One of the book’s strengths is its ability to convey important societal lessons subtly and effectively. It addresses serious themes such as bigotry, respect for individual identities—whether it relates to race, body structure, or gender—and the importance of upholding one’s convictions, even if it means standing alone.

The characters of Grover and Steve, along with the leaders of their respective groups, are well-developed and embody the core themes of the story. The editing of the book is also commendable with no noticeable grammatical errors, enhancing the reading experience.

However, the book does have areas that could be improved. While the illustrations are functional, they lack the richness and clarity that could elevate the storytelling. Additionally, the narrative concerning the defence of the plains led by Grover and Steve could benefit from more depth and complexity. Introducing a broader array of characters in this critical scene, or perhaps giving the main characters special abilities, could lend more credibility and excitement to the resolution of the plot.

Despite these criticisms, “The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve” remains a valuable addition to children’s literature, particularly for its educational themes that resonate with current societal challenges. I rate this book four out of five stars and recommend it for children aged six to eight, who will undoubtedly benefit from its profound messages and delightful storytelling.

Written by Jeyran Main

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