Eric Carle fans may be a little disappointed in his latest picture book.  While his illustrations capture the reader’s attention with colors that express, with simple strokes, both images and feelings, the theme of Friends may be more than the average pre-schooler can understand.  Reminiscing about a long lost friend from his own pre-school days, Carle describes a close relationship, a sense of loss when the friend moves away and an emotional reunion that leads to marriage. His inclusion of an actual photo of his friend and himself may pull at the heartstrings of adults.  Children, however, may have a hard time relating to this book. Jennifer Minicus is a mother and teacher living in Ridgewood, NJ.