Suryia & Roscoe: The True Story of an Unlikely Friendship

PreS-Gr 2--Suryia, an orangutan, lives on a South Carolina preserve called The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species. One day he was out walking with his friend, Bubbles, an elephant, when a stray dog came out of the woods and bounded up to him. The two bonded immediately and became best pals. Other preserve inhabitants, like the tigers, pumas, lions, leopard, gators, turtles, and tapirs are all shown in the engaging photographs. There are brief glimpses of the wildlife refuge, but Suryia and Roscoe take center stage as their friendly affection is documented again and again. Several portraits of the animals have no backgrounds and are decorative rather than informative. Brief text is smoothly paced and explains how the animals met and the relationship they developed. They are shown taking walks, wrestling, eating, and sleeping; they also swim together, which is extremely unusual because orangutans don't normally swim. The photos capture moments that show the keeper's careful attention to safety, such as Suryia wearing a life vest in the water, and another of the orangutan leading his friend on a leash, which suggests staging. This is a thin tale, but the engaging animals will appeal to children.--Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

"After meeting orangutan Suryia at a South Carolina wildlife preserve, stray dog Roscoe never left. The two enjoy swimming, wrestling and playing a deux." —People magazine

"The endearing photographs might well make you want to go out and save an orangutan — or a stray pup." —Los Angeles Times

"Irresistible and charming, this story of the friendship between a stray dog and an orangutan in a wildlife preserve in South Carolina will delight family members of all ages. Gorgeous photos accompany the tale of their meeting and instant bond." —Kiwimagonline.com

"The images of Suryia hugging Roscoe, swimming with him in a pool or generously offering him a banana will make you smile." —Columbus Dispatch

"The engaging animals will appeal to children." —School Library Journal

"Fans of cute animal books will be delighted." —Booklist

"Young animal lovers . . . will be eager to read about this unlikely pairing between a stray dog and an orangutan in a wildlife preserve . . . . The clean, photo album-like design, high-interest topic, accessible text and captivating images will likely garner Suryia and Roscoe legions of new friends." —Kirkus Reviews