Description Share Post I Am Ray’s Imaginary Friend Brian Moses, illustrated by Bethan Welby (Scallywag Press) This is a quietly brilliant and sensitive story about coping with change, told in verse by Brian Moses. The story is enhanced with evocative drawing illustrations by Bethan Welby. The story’s narrator is Jacob. He has graduated from the School for Imaginary Friends and has responded to Ray’s plea for help. Ray loves life in the little village where he lives with his parents and his dog Bess. However, Ray has overheard his parents talking about moving away following his Dad getting a new job. Appalled by the prospect of the move, Ray even thinks about running away, but instead he consults with Jacob. Jacob is an expert imaginary friend. He is able to deliver difficult messages, knowing that in the long run, though confronting, they will help. As the calendar clicks down to the move, Ray’s concerns grow. When the move actually happens, it’s not as bad as Ray feared and being welcomed at his new school really helps. Later, Ray’s teacher talks about what’s happening in Ukraine, Ray is so moved, he writes a poem about it. The poem is placed on the school web site which in turn prompts a discussion in his family – they decide to open their new home to two Ukrainian refugees. As Ray gets to know Katya and her son Artem, who is a similar age to Ray, he realises that perhaps his own problems are in comparison, not so bad after all. Jacob knows that at this point, it’s time for him to find someone else to help.
