“Two hundred and sixty nine days,” counts a freckle-faced, rosy cheeked boy. His goodbye to his best friend is still fresh within his young heart. Though his companion has moved away, she sends surprise notes and chocolate bars by post, assuaging his pain and bringing a smile to his face. The support of his loving family and the arrival of a new neighbor with her striped cat combine with his optimism to slow the rainfall and welcome the possibility of a new friendship.

Change is a constant in the worlds of adults and children alike. Friends Forever’s poignant story addresses its unexpected arrival and, through a softly colored palette, shows that change can be soothed by fond memories. The poetic text of Norwegian author, Roald Kaldestad, narrates the journey of the emotive protagonist as he teaches readers to embrace the present and appreciate the joys of a bluer sky.

About the author and illustrator:

A musician with a love for children’s books, Roald Kaldestad debuted as an author in 2000. His love for children’s book is a family affair; Per Olav Kaldestad former head of the Norwegian Writers for Children, is both his father and a source of inspiration.

Bjørn Rune Lie is a Norwegian illustrator who resides in Bristol with his wife, son, and feline. After graduating from University College Falmouth in 2001, his vivid images have appeared on milk cartons, magazine covers, text books, and albums. Friends Forever is his fourth children’s book.