Review by Horn Book Review
Seven days before his friend Stick Bug's birthday, effusive Beetle can wait no longer to bestow his gift. "I already have your present, because that's just the kind of friend I am. Always thinking of everyone else." Stick Bug, who is tall, thin, and soberly dressed compared to Beetle, graciously accepts his present, which turns out to be an enormous purple puffy coat. "'It does look...warm,' said Stick Bug. 'And purple is your favorite color. Thank you, Beetle.'" The situation deteriorates from there. Beetle drags his friend all over town, calling extra attention to the outlandish coat wherever they go while Stick Bug tries in vain to blend in with his surroundings. The digital art depicts a friendly town in autumn, complete with a library staffed by a snail; a skate park; the Puffy Coat Boutique; and many details to observe about the insects' daily lives and acquaintances. The understated humor in the text pairs well with the visual jokes in the pictures, calling attention to the differences between Beetle and Stick Bug and creating the ideal setting for them to learn a little bit more about how to be true to oneself while also being a true friend. Julie Roach November/December 2020 p.66(c) Copyright 2020. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Two very different friends learn to appreciate their differences. Beetle can't wait for Stick Bug's birthday next week. Beetle is so excited about the present he got his friend--it is "SO amazing, and you need it SO much"--he decides to give it to him early. It is a big, puffy coat in Beetle's favorite color. Beetle urges Stick Bug to wear the coat immediately. Stick Bug reluctantly complies. When they walk around the neighborhood, Stick Bug attracts lots of attention. Beetle is sure the pointing and staring is admiration; Stick Bug is not so sure. When Beetle starts to make a new gift for Stick Bug to give him on his actual birthday, he decides to paint a portrait of Stick Bug in his beautiful new coat. But when thinking of how Stick Bug's face looks when he's wearing his new coat, Beetle realizes that Stick Bug doesn't love the coat at all. Panicked, he figures out the perfect remedy. Boelts' energetic text and Duncan's comical, delicate illustrations, showing a thoroughly embarrassed Stick Bug and a delighted Beetle, combine to make this picture book a silly treat that will have readers giggling and pointing while learning valuable social-emotional lessons about personalities and relationships. Delightfully funny and warm. (Picture book. 3-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
