I'm Sticking with You

by Smriti Prasadam-Halls, Steve Small (Illustrator)

Overview

From Smriti Prasadam-Halls, the internationally bestselling author of I Love You Night and Day, and illustrator Steve Small, comes the charming picture book I'm Sticking with You, a sweet celebration of friendship.

Bear and Squirrel are best friends. Wherever Squirrel goes, Bear follows. Bear vows to stick with Squirrel whether he’s grumpy, or silly, or mad—which is put to the test when Bear sinks Squirrel’s canoe. And catapults him from the seesaw. And breaks his favorite mug.

Finally, Squirrel has had enough. He tells Bear he needs his space—only to realize he has much more fun with his best friend around. Funny and poignant in equal measure, I'm Sticking with You shows that friendship always finds a way.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250619235
Publisher:	Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication date:	05/05/2020
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.25(w) x 11.30(h) x 0.45(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Smriti Prasadam-Halls has been a children's writer and editor for more than ten years and has written several children's books, including the bestselling Jingle Jangle Jungle, illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Smriti lives in Richmond-upon-Thames.

www.smriti.co.uk

Steve Small is a designer, an animator, and a BAFTA-nominated director. He lives in England, and I'm Sticking With You was his first picture book.

Editorial Reviews

03/23/2020

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)

Publishers Weekly

"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." —Booklist

"A sweet, lively charmer . . . Kids will want to stick with this one." —Kirkus Reviews

"A give-and-take celebration of friendship in all its ups and downs." —Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

04/01/2020

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

School Library Journal

2020-01-21
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)

Kirkus Reviews