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    Bink & Gollie
    Bink & Gollie
    Bink & Gollie
    Audiobook13 minutes

    Bink & Gollie

    Written by Alison McGhee and Kate DiCamillo

    Narrated by Kate Micucci and Riki Lindhome

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    These two girls are marvelous companions who often do not agree…on socks…or goldfish…or venturing to the Andes. This humorous story relates how compromise helps these two very different individuals remain the best of friends.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherWeston Woods
    Release dateJan 1, 2012
    ISBN9780545830874
    Bink & Gollie
    Author

    Alison McGhee

    ALISON MCGHEE’s best-selling novel Shadow Baby was a Today Show Book Club pick, and her picture book for adults, Someday, was a #1 New York Times bestseller. She is the recipient of many fellowships and awards, has three grown children, and lives a semi-nomadic life in Minnesota and California.

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    Reviews for Bink & Gollie

    4/5

    243 ratings39 reviews

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    • 5/5
      I love it so much it was fun and cool!
    • 1/5
      You’d never know the author of this book also wrote mercy Watson. The story makes no sense and the pacing is awful. It should be titled “watching grass grow with two forgettable characters.” The audio version exacerbates this by having looooong pauses where the story should continue. It stretches a 5 minute read into 15 unbearable minutes.
    • 3/5
      Bink and Gollie are a sophisticated pair of friends with an expansive vocabulary. Gollie has a particularly dry wit and lives in a tree house with fab retro '60s furniture. A humorous friendship story for above-average kids.
    • 5/5
      Reason for Reading: I'm a fan of Kate DiCamillo.An adorable book suitable for children who are reading on their own but still want pictures and may find a page full of text daunting. While not to be confused as an easy reader (for ex. "Perhaps a compromise is in order. "), this beginning 3 chapters book could easily be called a picture book as well. Each page is fabulously illustrated and contains small blocks of text which will appeal to children of a wide age range.This book contains three episodes in the life of Bink & Gollie, roller skating "marvelous companions" who live in separate tree houses of the same tree. Bink & Gollie each have their own distinct, unique personality and that is what makes this book so much fun. The dynamics between the two, the repartee, the differences in personality and the obvious closeness as friends make these girls two very special characters in the literary world. Mr. Fucile's illustrations capture the essence of Bink & Gollie and it is the combination of writing and illustrating that makes this duo so captivating. I was taken with them right away.The first story introduces a pair of "outrageous" socks, the second an expedition to the Andes mountains and the third the purchase of a goldfish. While each is an individual story, the theme (and importance) of the socks is carried through the book unobtrusively in the illustrations. Now that the Mercy Watson series is finished I think that fans will be very happy to turn their attentions to Bink & Gollie, the first in what I've heard (no evidence yet) will prove to be a series.
    • 5/5
      Richie's Picks: BINK & GOLLIE by Kate DiCamillo, Alison McGhee, and Tony Fucile, ill. Candlewick, August 2010, 92p., ISBN: 978-0-7636-3266-3 "'Bink,' said Gollie, 'The brightness of those socks pains me. I beg you not to purchase them.'"'I can't wait to put them on,' said Bink." "'I love socks,' said Bink."'Some socks are more lovable than others,' said Gollie." I am seriously not a television person, but I am always hearing friends talking about this TV series or that one, and how they are waiting for the new season to arrive. And now I know what they are talking about. I was quite disappointed when I reached the end of the first book in the upcoming new series that is being written for early readers by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee. BINK & GOLLIE features two girl friends, one small (Bink) and the other one tall (Gollie) . I'd had a great old time sitting in the Candlewick booth at ALA, reading the first episode in the BINK & GOLLIE series. In writing for emerging readers, the authors succeed in creating stories that are fresh and snarky, subversive and sophisticated. But now I have to wait a whole year to see the next episode! That's terrible, because I could merrily devour episodes of Bink and Gollie one after another all day long -- they are that much fun. "'Hello, Gollie,' said Bink. 'Do I smell pancakes'"'You do not,' said Gollie."'Will I smell pancakes?' said Bink." I like many things about what this talented trio is creating here. Without the imposing visual borders of a graphic novel, they are, nevertheless, often fitting more than one scene on a page, providing a lot of action and story in 92 pages. The two friends are -- at least in this first book -- pretty much in a world unto themselves. The authors are also quite innovative -- given this format and audience -- in their adoption from reality shows of the use of asides, where -- in a break in the action -- each of the girls will talk to themselves and to the audience about their reaction to the behavior of the other: "'The problem with Gollie,' said Bink, 'is that it's either Gollie's way, or the highway.'" "'The problem with Bink,' said Gollie,' is her unwillingness to compromise.'" Despite the issues that arise between the two girls, you can, in the end, really feel the bond that exists between the pair. Illustrator Tony Fucile may be a relatively newbie when it comes to children's book illustrating, but he's got a mega-impressive background, having designed and animated characters in the films The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles. Right off the bat, he does a great job of creating the pair of personas and bringing the two friends' attitudes to life. And I absolutely love how those socks Really Stand Out on the page so that you can so easily understand Gollie's ongoing issue with them. This first episode won't be available until the fall, but it, too, is a Real Stand Out and well worth watching for. Richie Partington, MLISInstructor, San Jose State UniversitySchool of Library and Information ScienceFTC NOTICE: Richie receives free books from lots of publishers who hope he will Pick their books. You can figure that any review was written after reading and dog-earring a free copy received. Richie retains these review copies for his rereading pleasure and for use in his booktalks at schools and libraries.
    • 3/5
      Easy reader in style, not in vocabulary -- but that is often worked into the story. A great book to read with your beginning reader (or to challenge one!). Mostly black and white illustrations, Bink, Gollie, and the object of focus in color.
    • 4/5
      This is a four star rating of the many who read this laugh-out-book regarding friendship that not only survives, but embraces differences and goes beyond toleration to acceptance and love.Different as tea and coffee, these two delightful girls more often than not do not agree, and I believe that is the strength of the book. So often as children, and sadly as adults, we feel our friends must be like us. Forgetting that it is the differences that add color to relationships, Bink & Gollie have learned to remember how important they are to each other. And while they express consternation, they hang in there knowing the importance of friendship and love.Through the frustrations of one who is compulsive and the other who is devil may care full of life and adventure, these two meet in the middle and embrace each other knowing that their friendship is well worth the little and big annoyances.I note a goodly amount of people on LT enjoy this book. And, the differences of those who are bound to adult books, perhaps carrying a bit of disdain and unacceptance of "children's" books, Bink & Gollie know that what is one person's enjoyments, might not be for the other.Exceedingly spontaneous, Bink is messy with hair flying to the wind as she rapidly whips around on her roller skates stopping at a sock bonanza as Gollie reminds her that she certainly does not need more outrageous socks to wear. Nevertheless, Bink is on a mission, and finds the most colorful multicolored stripped pair she can find."The problem with Gollie," states Bink "is that it is either Gollie's way or the highway." And Bink happily tells her friend, that she chooses her choice of socks by the "highway."Like many who have reviewed this book, I simply love it! These two are learning a lesson that adults often forget, ie to meet in the middle and embrace the differences.What a fun, and insightful book!Highly recommended!!!
    • 4/5
      I'm usually more about the novels of DiCamillo, but this was surprisingly well done. I was very impressed with everything. Gollie is understated and Bink is wacky and impulsive. They play well off of each other.
    • 5/5
      outstanding!
    • 5/5
      Read it again tonight. Oh, I just LOVE this book!
    • 3/5
      Bink and Gollie are best friends. this book has three stories. First story is about learning how to compromise in their friendship. Second story is about sharing accomplishments, and being understandable with each other. Third story is about how jealousy could occur in friendship and how to react positively.
    • 4/5
      Two friends with very different personalities must reach an accommodation with one another in the three stories found in this entertaining beginning chapter-book from co-authors Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee. Extroverted Bink goes right for the colorful socks in the first selection, while more reserved Gollie is horrified by her choice. Both must learn to compromise, after Gollie attempts to use their pancake breakfast as a means of separating Bink from her new footwear. In the second selection, Gollie embarks on a voyage of the imagination, exploring the Andes Mountains (all whilst in her own home), while an impatient Bink can't quite grasp that her friend doesn't wish to be interrupted. In the third and final story, Bink's new goldfish leads to tension, until she (Bink) realizes what is causing Gollie's resentment...I greatly enjoyed Bink and Gollie, which, with its gentle tales of two friends who, despite their differences, are loving companions to one another, reminded me of Arnold Lobel's classic Frog and Toad books. That is high praise! I appreciated the way in which the two of them negotiate their differences, and eventually reach a compromise, as it is clear that there is true affection behind their disagreements. The conclusion of the book, in which Bink assures Gollie that she (and not the goldfish) is the 'most marvelous companion of all,' provided a satisfactorily heartwarming end. The artwork, created digitally by Tony Fucile, adds to the fun, perfectly capturing the differing personalities of the two friends, and the drama of their various confrontations. Recommended to anyone looking for simple chapter-books featuring engaging characters.
    • 5/5
      Loved this! I bought a copy for a friend's daughter and thought I'd just read a page to see what it was like, and I ended up reading the entire thing, unable to stop (it's short, so that didn't take long, but still...)

      It's wonderful how much personality comes across in so few words -- helped by the marvelous illustrations, of course. I was especially fond of love pancake-cooking, mountain-climbing, dignified Gollie.
    • 5/5
      Definitely deserving of its awards. Their personalities are unique, but suited for each other, and the illustrations are excellent - I love the humorous little details thrown into many of the pages.
    • 5/5
      Meet Bink and Gollie, marvelous companions who can always agree to put on the roller skates. In other matters, however (such as wich socks to wear, the buying of goldfish, or venturing to the Andes Mountais), compomise is required. But even if one sees a tree houseas halfway up and the other as halfway up and the ortheras halfway up and the others a halfway down, these girls are always the best of friends.Get ready for a laugh-out-loud bonanza by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamilo and The New York Times best-selling writer Alison Mcghee, illustrated by award-winning artist and animator Tony Fucile.
    • 4/5
      Bink and Gollie are best friends and share experiences together. Book is written in comic book style and not like a typical early reader. Intermediate early reader level. Contains 3 stories. Illustrations are drawn with minimal color. Grades 1-3.
    • 4/5
      We love Kate DiCamillo and this is a really sweet and quirky book. Great tale of friendship. I thought this may be a chapter book but it is a quick read-aloud...fun illustrations and broken into little vignette stories similar to George and Martha style. Fun mix of new words and terms for kids this age. "Use your gray matter" prompted a fun discussion at our house.
    • 4/5
      This beautifully illustrated, graphic novel-like, early reader would work well for higher-level readers. The book is broken into 3 sections and each “story” is about a little adventure. Bink and Gollie are pretty cute on their roller skates and their personalities shine through in the simple text. The book is an ideal size for the intended audience without being too busy. Winner of the 2011 Geisel Award.
    • 5/5
      Definitely amazing! My daughter loved it and I - what can I say - I almost cried at the end ;)
    • 4/5
      There are several reasons that I liked this book. For one, I liked the illustrations because they added meaning to the story. For instance, when Gollie said she wanted to travel the world, the illustration showed her searching the globe for somewhere to go. Then, she decided to climb the Andes Mountains which could be seen in her room in the illustration. Next, I enjoyed the plot of the book because it was broken into three short stories about the friendship between Bink and Gollie. For example, in the first story, Bink and Gollie argue over each other’s very opposite personalities, but eventually learn that they are best friends and can accept their differences. The big message of this story is that best friends do not always agree on everything, but they learn to get along in order to maintain their friendship.
    • 4/5
      Best friends Bink and Gollie are complete opposites: tall and short, neat and messy, prim and unpretentious; sometimes these differences cause differences of opinion between the two, but at the end of the day they always make up. Expansive black and white illustrations with splashes of color enliven the text, which delivers three surprisingly complete stories for a transitional chapter book. Bink and Gollie’s differences in both illustration and text help beginning readers keep the two characters straight. The whimsy of the book is enhanced by Gollie’s house, a treehouse, and Bink’s house, a tiny shed at the bottom of a tree; the whimsy also comes through in the near-absence of other characters in the book, and the complete absence of parent-like figures despite the fact that the main characters are clearly children. In the main, this does not detract in anyway from this excellent book, but librarians should be aware of it if parents express a preference for realistic transitional chapter books.
    • 4/5
      What a fun early chapter book for young readers! Bink and Gollie are best friends, but total opposites. Cute illustrations help make this story come to life! Check it out.
    • 5/5
      Very cute books, a hybrid between easy reader, chapter book, and graphic novel. The combination makes them ideal for reluctant readers, particularly kids who CAN read pretty well but don't think they like to. The vocabulary is rather sophisticated compared to typical easy readers, but lots of illustrations and just a little text on each page makes the books manageable for kids who are reluctant to read. The story features three episodic chapters and reminded me very much of the Frog & Toad books. Stories are sweet and funny and much of the humor is contained in the illustrations.
    • 2/5
      Genre: Realistic FictionCritiques: This early chapter book is realistic fiction because it presents three stories of adventurous activities of two best friends. The characters are realistic with qualities resembling a strong friendship and primary age perspective of real-life situations. The setting resembles that of a typical neighborhood with a park, clothing store, and pond. All aspects of the book are relatable and plausible to a reader.The plot of the three mini adventures presented in this book resemble a person against person plot as the two main characters, Gollie and Bink face various situations with different perspectives of the world. The opening of the book does not introduce the characters using the text, but makes the reader analyze the illustrations for understanding of the two different personalities of Gollie and Bink. Furthermore, the order of the adventures are random and do not flow into each other, but are very separate encounters of adventure. There is resolution at the end of the book with a closure to the last adventure on the pond, and this is also a good example of the person against person plot with Gollie proving to Bink that she has saved a fish's life. Media: digital
    • 4/5
      Kind of a graphic novel, kind of a beginning chapter book (although the vocabulary is NOT easy reader level). There is much to enjoy in the whimsical dialog between the two friends, but it is Tony Fucile's ("Let's Do Nothing") quirky and hilarious illustrations that make this book into something special. Adults will enjoy poring over the details in the illustrations at least as much as the kids do, if not more.
    • 5/5
      DiCamiilo, Kate & Alison McGhee. Illustrated by Tony Fucile. Bink and Gollie. Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2010.Characters: Bink; GollieSetting: Bink’s and Gollie’s hometown including the general store, a fish pet store, the local movie theater, and a pond near their house Theme: friendship; compromise; acceptanceGenre: children’s realistic fictionGolden Quote: “’The problem with Gollie,’ said Bink, is that’s it’s either Gollie’s way or the highway.’”Summary: Two-roller skating best friends –one tiny, one tall – share three comical adventures involving bright sock, an impromptu trek to the Andes, and a most unlikely marvelous companion.Audience: grade level- 3rd to 4th; age level: 8 and upCurriculum ties: mathematics- short vs. tall (measure students in class and compare); social science- Gollie takes a trip depending on where her finger winds up on a globe of the world (geography); language arts- write about your best friend and the things you do together, there is a reference to pairs (do activity that involves students matching or finding pairs of objects), pretend you are a third character and write yourself in the story of Bink and Gollie – how would you put yourself into the story?, how would you change the dynamic of the story?Awards: Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, 2011Personal response: This book is so cute on so many different levels! Bink and Gollie are best friends that go on some pretty ordinary adventures, however, they turn them into extraordinary ones through their love and connection to one another. The illustrations are whimsical, vibrant and charming to go along with equally charming and quirky dialogue. While there are some complex vocabulary words, they are used in such a way that their meanings are explained through the context of the story. Bink and Gollie would be appropriate for 3rd grade students to read on their own, nonetheless it would be great as a read aloud for younger children. This book would be a wonderful choice for reluctant readers as well; not only for the story itself, but also for its format (a combination of picture book, beginning chapter book, and graphic novel all rolled into one).
    • 5/5
      The book shares three different short stories about the friendship of Bink & Gollie. The stories go through adventure, jealousy, loss of friends, and compromising in situation. The vocabulary is well chosen for students in elementary. The illustrations are very appealing and go with the story being told.
    • 4/5
      I recommend this book as an easy reader for students who are transitioning to chapter books for 2-4th grade. This may be more suitable for girls because it is a book about two best girl friends and their quirky adventures. Tony Fucile's illustrations are interesting because he combines traditional illustrations with those of a graphic novel. Although the book appears big the chapters are short in writing content. The chapters are clearly marked with the title and illustration. The girls go on adventures which are semi-realistic and quirky enough to be enjoyed by its young readers. This book uses some interesting vocabulary and can be used to teach the vocabulary. The book repeats ideas and vocabulary that students can pick up on and question why the author chose to use it.
    • 3/5
      This is an interesting story. It's a little hard to follow because each part is a completely different story about the same two characters. I think it is definitely for older readers, so I wouldn't read it to my current class. I did like how the two kids in the story are in color, but the backgrounds are in black and white.
    • 5/5
      This easy reader book is about two friends who go out and share simple thinks like rollerskating. I like that the book shows the young readers that is good to compromise and the nice things of having healthy friendships. It is simple enough that allows the students to built their readying skills.