Smriti Halls is the internationally bestselling author of over thirty books for children. And Steve Small has worked in animation for over thirty years as a director, designer, and animator. Halls and Small are the collaborative creators of the internationally bestselling I’m Sticking With You and I’m Sticking With You Too picture books.
Now, they’ve joined forces again to whip up Let’s Stick Together, a joyful, humorous rhyming tale about how friends lift each other up. It’s the perfect addition.
Much-loved characters Bear and Squirrel are back and it’s time to party! Squirrel is the expert at throwing parties and knows exactly what to do to make this the biggest and best EVER, but Bear isn’t so sure and is feeling a bit shy. Can the two friends find a way to work through their worries and wobbles and stick together?
I can’t recommend this fabulous picture book enough. Kicking off with Bear and Squirrel in party-planning mode, their contrasting personalities are instantly apparent. Eccentric, bold and energetic, Squirrel is ready to party, with a hesitant, anxious and worried Bear by his side. But all is not as it seems.
What I like most about this animal-duo is their open communication with one another. While Bear indicates his concerns about the event, Squirrel is hustling, bustling and ready to party. That is, until the party comes about. There, they have an open dialogue about their feelings, apprehensions and how they can work through their wobbles and grumps together.
From mismatched crockery, party decorations and an abundance of food, Small’s illustrations are evocative and show off Bear and Squirrel’s personalities impeccably. Starting off with white pages during the party planning phase, moving to black pages during Bear and Squirrel’s heart-to-heart, and slowly transitioning back to white pages as things get resolved, it’s clear Halls’ words and Small’s illustrations move seamlessly in tandem together.
This beautifully written, gorgeously illustrated new I’m Sticking With You story is the perfect book for showing how you’re never truly lost when you have a great friend by your side. It’ll be a bedtime and pre-school classroom hit, perfect for little readers aged 3+.
Leave a Reply