I’m Sticking with You

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.