Publishers Weekly
02/02/2015
Newcomer Ferry’s simple rhymes and Lichtenheld’s (Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site) pared-down art make fine partners in this testament to friendship. At the outset, reedy Stick stands moodily by the sea, while round Stone gazes at the moon (“Stick. Stone./ Lonely. Alone”). They meet at the playground, where a pinecone makes fun of Stone. Stick defends Stone (“ ‘Vanish!’ says Stick./ His word does the trick”), and a friendship is born. Ferry adds zip to the best-friends-forever theme with plenty of sly puns (“Stone whispers, ‘Gee,/ you stuck up for me!’ ”), and Lichtenheld conveys significant expressiveness through the characters’ dot eyes and small smiles. More subtly, he darkens objects when the story takes a discouraging turn and pours on the sunlight when things cheer up. Friends can help each other by capitalizing on their differences, he suggests, as when Stone rolls a path through tall grass for Stick as they travel. The use of instantly recognizable objects as characters gives the story universal appeal, and Ferry makes its moral unmissable. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Pippin Properties. Illustrator’s agent: Amy Rennert, Amy Rennert Agency. (Apr.)
From the Publisher
"These two characters are a delight to know...and the irresistible cadence of the text should make this a repeat favorite." —Booklist * ”This warm and tender story of two BFFs is made even more enjoyable by the charming, textured tan and blue illustrations . . . the text, suitable for beginning readers, sweetly expresses what it is to be and to have a good friend.” —School Library Journal, starred review "Ferry adds zip to the best-friends-forever theme with plenty of sly puns...and Lichtenheld conveys significant expressiveness through the characters’ dot eyes and small smiles...The use of instantly recognizable objects as characters gives the story universal appeal, and Ferry makes its moral unmissable." —Publishers Weekly "A light, enjoyable approach to a recognizable narrative about making—and helping—friends." —Kirkus "Preschoolers looking for a model of good friendship need look no further. Kindness rules the day, and humor, rather than obvious lesson-teaching, moves the story along." —Horn Book Magazine —
School Library Journal
★ 01/01/2015
PreS-Gr 1—This stick and stone would never break a bone, as they're too busy caring about each other. Round stone labels himself a "zero" and tall, skinny Stick is only a "one," as they are solitary figures until they come together to form "a perfect 10." Stick sticks up for Stone when bully Pinecone makes fun of the rock, and the two become close companions. Told in rhyming couplets, this warm and tender story of two BFFs is made even more enjoyable by the charming, textured tan and blue illustrations, highlighted with touches of green and red. The pictures range in size from double spreads to small vignettes and deftly convey the two companions' harmonious relationship. Endpapers reveal Stick's and Stone's origins, and the text, suitable for beginning readers, sweetly expresses what it is to be and to have a good friend.—Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI
Kirkus Review
2015-01-20
A lonely tree branch and rock find friendship and strength together. Stick and Stone feel very alone. Isolated on separate pages, their solitary figures appear downcast, until a chance encounter leads Stick to stand up for Stone against a bullying pine cone. Now inseparable, the two explore and play. But when a storm carries Stick away, Stone must search for him and bring him back. Simple, rhyming text and visual puns keep this familiar-feeling tale light and snappy. Lichtenheld's illustrations, done in dry media on paper, possess their usual appeal. The paper's rough surface gives the natural objects a warm, organic feel that contrasts nicely with the bold, graphic drawing style. As always, details charm, from the trail of flattened grass Stone leaves behind him as the two explore to the miner's headlamp he wears during his search for Stick. With few words per page and visually expressive characters, there is much to keep young readers' interest. A light, enjoyable approach to a recognizable narrative about making—and helping—friends. (Picture book. 3-7)
