We Go Together: The Greatest Duos in Children’s Literature

Remember in school when your teacher told you about the buddy system? Mostly used on field trips and nature walks, you had to have your friend with you at all times to make sure no one got lost, left behind, or forgotten.

The same holds true in children’s stories. Children’s literature contains some of the most memorable duos — sometimes friends, sometimes enemies, but always inseparable in our minds and our hearts.

The Adversaries

Even though I’m inclined to think of great pairs as being on the same side, some of the most dynamic duos are actually bitter rivals. From times long ago to the present, these enemies give books their dramatic conflict and breathtaking stand-offs. Who tops my list as the most iconic opponents? Those truly iconic foes like Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Moriarty, Dorothy & The Wicked Witch of the West, Peter Pan & Captain Hook, and Lord Voldemort & Harry Potter, who stand as such opposite extremes that you know their rivalry will only end when one of them is dead.

That being said, I couldn’t leave out twosomes like Robin Hood & The Sheriff of Nottingham, The Lorax & The Once-ler, Rabbit & Bear, and Agatha Trunchbull & Matilda.

The Best Friends

Where enemies battle, friends stand fast through any challenge and remind readers of the enduring value of loyalty, honesty, and respect. I love the friends who play off of each other’s faults and foibles, so I’m partial to Calvin & Hobbes whose banter made the comics a go-to read on Sundays, Frog & Toad, who quarreled and grumbled but couldn’t do without each other, and Harry Potter & Ron Weasley who managed to irritate and save each other. My other favorite besties include the devoted and sweet like Charlie Brown & Snoopy, Mike Mulligan & Mary Anne, Winnie-the-Pooh & Christopher Robin, and Boy & Bot.

Brothers and Sisters

You can’t live with ‘em, you can’t live without ‘em. Siblings are the heart of families and great stories. I love Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum for their comic relief, Hansel & Gretel for their resilience and pluck, and Jack & Jill for doing chores and ending up the worse for it.

Heroes and Sidekicks

Where would great adventures be without the hero and his or her sidekick? The comic foil, the earnest aide, the treasured companion, sidekicks give our heroes humanity and compassion and never steer them wrong. The Hobbit’s Frodo & Sam personify the devotion required to enter the pantheon of duos as they battle an evil intent on destroying everything they love, but less dramatic pairs show us the importance of having a trusted ally. Sherlock Holmes makes his second appearance on the list along with Dr. Watson, personifying the intellectual aspect of great duos, while Batman & Robin bring the brawn, proving that a great sidekick can be many things, as long as he or she is always prepared for the next great adventure.

It Must Be Love

Then there are the pairs that defy description. They don’t fit neatly into a particular category, but you can’t imagine one without the other. There’s no obvious explanation for the unique marriage of Jack Spratt & his wife, or the unorthodox friendship of Flora & Ulysses, or the strange combination of Sam & the Unnamed Guy, who claims not to like eggs and ham, until, surprise, he does! And then there’s Curious George & The Man With the Yellow Hat. Who would have ever put them together? All I can say is, it must be love.

Now, we know you have favorites that didn’t make this list, so sound off in the comments and tell us who we forgot!