I'm Sticking with You

March 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.