Sidesplitting Sidekicks in Children’s Literature
Lovable heroes and heroines abound in children’s literature, but let’s be honest: many of them have blind spots, and they rarely act alone. More often than not, there’s a dry wit beneath their wings, and it typically belongs to an endearing sidekick who makes up for reduced beauty and grace with humor and hard work. Indeed, those happy endings that we long for—the vanquishment of long-time enemies, the sought-after accomplishments and reunions—these are all possible thanks to diligent sidekicks who see opportunity and jocularity in alternating moments, and who offer invaluable advice (and true friendship!) to the beloved antagonists of juvenile literature. Read on to discover our favorites!
Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger (The Harry Potter series, by J.K. Rowling)
When these 3 first met on the Hogwarts Express, it was essentially sorcery-dipity. The precocious, frizzy-haired muggle, the sarcastic redhead from a fallen wizarding family, and the boy with the legendary scar were fast friends, and the unlikely trio’s bond only grew stronger as dire circumstances forced them to fight evil again and again. Indeed, Harry’s courage, Hermione’s intelligence, and Ron’s loyalty made them into an unflappable triumvirate that would last the length of 7 (not brief!) novels.
Piglet (Winnie-the-Pooh, by A.A. Milne)
While a modern reading reveals Piglet as slightly neurotic, and perhaps not such a little pig after all, Piglet remains one of the most loyal and perceptive sidekicks in the children’s canon. His questioning mind is a perfect complement to Pooh’s philosophical noodle, and his occasional self-deprecation keeps the mood in Hundred-Acre-Wood light and loving.
Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, by J.R.R. Tolkien)
In the history of fantasy, there are none who surpass the modest hobbit Samwise Gamgee in the role of steadfast sidekick. At the outset, Tolkien’s reasoning behind using Frodo’s gardener is inscrutable; but at every juncture of this legendary journey to middle earth, Gamgee is at Frodo’s side, forcing his friend to remain true to his authentic self. Thus, in the end, we are left with little room to doubt Tolkien’s narrative decisions.
Grandpa Joe (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake)
Open, guileless Charlie makes us weep from page 1. He’s generous and caring, and while his tattered jacket provides no insulation against the cold, and he has no bed (because all 4 grandparents share the only mattress), his friendless state is no matter—he has Grandpa Joe. Charlie’s adoring grandfather might be nearly a century old, but he’s Charlie’s biggest cheerleader, and even urges him onto uncharacteristically capricious escapades—like spend the family’s last bit of money on a chocolate bar. Grandpa Joe’s belief in Charlie is unyielding, and he’s prescient and playful—it’s the perfect recipe for any respectable sidekick.
Claudia (The Babysitter’s Club series, by Ann M. Martin)
Claudia’s artistic talents, lighthearted attitude, and relaxed house rules make her the perfect foil for crisp, businesslike Kristy—The Babysitter’s Club President. Claudia’s got candy stashed all over her fluorescent bedroom, and her handmade beaded earrings are as colorful as her personality. While her dreams might get too big for cozy Stoneybrook, for now Claudia is a satisfied, certified sidekick. With Claudia in the background—and Kristy in her director’s chair—the Babysitter’s Club has nowhere to go but up!
Huckleberry Finn (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain)
While his own book would come later—and arguably become a more pivotal work in the long run—Huck Finn (and his quintessential cropped pants) aren’t the central characters in this social satire. Instead, he’s Tom’s hooligan-in-arms when Aunt Polly’s fence is being whitewashed, and when Tom works through some pre-pubescent angst.
Who are your favorite sidekicks in kid lit?