Review by Booklist Review
Mix together a little imagination, mushiness, amazing illustrations, and kind-hearted language and you get a heart-filled picture book about an unusual friendship between a squirrel and a bear. Written in a narrative rhyming format, this hilarious take on a BFF relationship begins with the buddies having a ball together. Or at least Bear thinks they are. Small's whimsical pencil-and-watercolor illustrations tell a different story, as Squirrel shows increasing agitation over being regularly squished and having his squirrel-sized things broken by his extra-large pal. Things eventually come to a head when they squeeze into an igloo, with Bear inadvertently pinning Squirrel against its wall. After a big blowup over needing more space, the two part on bad terms. Once they spend some time away from each other, the two realize they need to be a little less self-absorbed and learn to consider the other's feelings. Children will be able to relate to the story line, but the adorable and funny illustrations truly steal the show. File this with Nicholas John Frith's Hector and Hummingbird (2016).
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Jaunty rhymes by Prasadam-Halls (Don't Make Me Cross!) render Bear and Squirrel as inseparable pals--"Wherever you're going, I'm going too./ Whatever you're doing./ I'm sticking with you"--but despite the lines' relentless cheer, pencil and watercolor illustrations by debut artist Small reveal that the duo's relationship isn't working. Clumsy and oblivious, accident-prone Bear frequently leaves Squirrel scowling: Bear inadvertently breaks Squirrel's teacup, sneezes Squirrel's tree house to smithereens, and takes up the entire back seat when the two travel by taxi. At last, crammed into an igloo's back corner, Squirrel subverts the rhymes' message, declaring: "I think I need to be on my own.... There's bearly any room." Stricken but respectful, Bear departs; though the rodent initially enjoys having some space--physical and emotional both--it takes only a spread for the predictable takeaway to appear: "I MISS BEAR!" Following hugs and cajoling by Squirrel, the pair work to create a better awareness of the smaller animal's needs. Small's unembellished artwork, filled with broad shapes and amusing expressions, offers a visually subtle feel to Prasadam-Halls's singsongy lines, making for a give-and-take celebration of friendship in all its ups and downs. Ages 4--8. (May)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--Bear and Squirrel remain friends even after Bear's large size brings about some unpleasant consequences for Squirrel. Whether Squirrel is "grumpy," or "silly," or "mad," Bear says he will stick with his friend. He will listen to Squirrel and follow him everywhere. But when Bear sinks Squirrel's boat, breaks his cup, sneezes him out of his house, and even crowds him out of his snowy refuge, Squirrel wants to "be on [his] own." At first, he is delighted with his uncrowded space, his own plans, and not having to share. But life isn't so perfect without Bear, and Squirrel begs his friend to return. The tall book is an apt choice to emphasize Bear's height next to his diminutive friend. Text and pictures appear on white ground that becomes black when Squirrel wants his own space or returns looking for Bear. Rhyming text is in bold when Bear speaks and in regular print when Squirrel talks. Bear's eyes are the key to his feelings throughout the story. VERDICT Suitable for group discussions about friendships and ways to repair them when they don't run smoothly. Readers may also enjoy assuming the roles of Bear and Squirrel when the text alternates.--Marianne Saccardi, Children's Literature Consultant, Cambridge, MA
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Real friends hang together no matter what. Bear and BFF Squirrel are thick as thieves, tight as a drum. Despite superficial differences, such as height, weight, and girth, and the fact that these differences wreak havoc on Squirrel's belongings--not to mention launching Squirrel skyward while the pair are on a seesaw--Bear swears to follow Squirrel everywhere and to do everything together. That is, until Squirrel decides it's time for the pair to split up; Squirrel needs to be alone. Being a good friend, Bear agrees, albeit reluctantly, and departs. At first, Squirrel savors the luxury of newfound freedom but then concedes, "I MISS BEAR !" Wouldn't you know it? Squirrel hurriedly rushes back to beg Bear to reconsider their relationship; all their differences can be resolved. "We're joined at the heart," avers Squirrel, "AND I LOVE YOU / A LOT!" The premise of this bouncy rhyming tale isn't original, but this telling is a sweet, lively charmer nonetheless, and the verses scan well. A story about friends' unwavering loyalty is always welcome. Readers/listeners will appreciate the sticking-like-glue pairing of these seemingly vastly different pals, in itself commendable. The delightful, expressive illustrations are by turns comical and poignant, and lots of white space and minimal text on each page focuses attention on the protagonists. Occasionally, blue type is set on black backgrounds, heightening visual appeal. Kids will want to stick with this one. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
