Five star read. The narrator of this book is a character within the book as well. In a way it reminds me of the old Disney shorts. The narrator let us know that squirrel is loud and busy and active, while bird is not. Eventually, Bird gets fed up with how the narrator describes them and it’s like hey we’re not all one thing all the time. “Stop characterizing me and let us characterize ourselves”. This story is lovely. I love the artwork. It reminds me of my grandmother‘s quilts, at least from the cover and the end pages, but then the inside illustrations go so perfect with the action one wants to read this book repeatedly. This will be one that’s added to my storytime Staples.

My boys (4 &7) and I read this book together. We all thought it was a cute story. I would add this to any K-2 classroom for a beginning of year story about how we are all unique in our own way. I also loved the illustrations.

<b><i>“We are not one thing all the time, you know.”</i></b>

First off, the illustrations for this book - stunning. My baby is still very much in to black and white, however he does love yellow so this book just makes me think of him.

This story follows Squirrel and Bird as statements are made about their character. But Bird begins to question the boxes they are being put into. People, or critters, aren’t limited to just their most obvious characteristics.

If you’re looking for a quick read about being multifaceted individuals, this book may be for you and your little one.

Thanks NetGalley and Tiger Tales for an ARC of this book.

I absolutely loved Squirrel and Bird! Squirrel is loud and confident, while Bird is quiet and shy—and the story beautifully celebrates how our differences make us special. As someone who relates to Bird, I really appreciated the reminder that no single trait defines who we are. The illustrations were stunning and added so much heart to the story.

Squirrel is loud, Bird is quiet…or are they? In this beautifully illustrated children’s story, the narrator attempts to ascribe traits to both Squirrel and Bird, until Bird has enough. A delightful story for children of all ages reminding us that we are not one thing, we can be many things all at once - even contradictory things!

I had high hopes for thia book, especially after seeing the illustrations. But it honestly was a disappointment. The illustrations were very well done, but the storyline was not for me. I believe that the story was a good idea, but poorly executed. I would tecommend this book solely on the illustrations, and not the writing.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

For more reviews and discussions, listen to my podcast The Honest Book Reviewers with Nate and Emma.

https://open.spotify.com/show/3H3ugH4xlzvjMXuUo1Lyvh?si=ewdzfkUnSVKyDmAvHMHIPQ

Squirrel and Bird are two very different best friends. Squirrel is always loud, busy, and confident whereas Bird is always quiet, calm, and shy...or *are* they?

This is an adorably funny look at how best friends can seemingly be total opposites, and how we're never truly defined by just one thing about us. The illustrations are adorable (and Bird's annoyed expressions had me cracking up!) Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Squirrel and Bird by Laura Baker is a gentle and charming picture book that explores friendship between two very different personalities. With warm, textured illustrations that feel almost tangible, the story celebrates the quiet magic of self-awareness and the beauty of differences. Through the dynamic between an outgoing squirrel and a more reserved bird, it subtly reflects on how introverts and extroverts can enrich each other’s lives. A tender, visually delightful read that will resonate with both children and the adults reading alongside them.

Squirrel & Bird is a gorgeous book written by Laura Baker and Illustrated by Stacy Thomas. The book highlights differences between the two best friends in a positive way and also shows that you cannot always judge someone by what you see on the outside. Squirrel and Bird have different personalities, but they are not portrayed in a way that makes one see more negative or positive than the other. The illustrations are beautiful as well.

My 7 year old and I read this together. Mom liked that there was a life lesson about not assuming things about other people, and that you can be many different things at different times. Kiddo liked the beautiful pictures. Bird was his favorite character. He likes that he stood up for himself and his friend.

Squirrel and Bird is a lesson in not judging a book by its cover. People contain multitudes. That boisterous person is probably the most shy (squirrel). And that quiet person is surely a great performer (bird). I think this is an important lesson for all to learn, get to know people and not form prejudiced beliefs about others. I love the consistency in the colors. The illustrations could be made into wallpaper and I would plaster my office with the wonderful scenery crafted.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Laura Baker's "Squirrel and Bird" revolves around friendship and embracing differences. Through the unlikely bond between a squirrel and a bird, the story highlights how diverse perspectives can enrich our lives and foster understanding. It teaches young readers about acceptance and working together despite contrasting lifestyles. The squirrel is depicted as energetic and always busy, while the bird is quiet and reserved. These contrasting behaviors initially caused misunderstandings. The reader learns as the story progresses that bird disagrees with the initial description of itself. The bird reveals its true nature to everyone. The bird, contrary to its initial reserved appearance, is actually adventurous and curious. It loves singing. This energetic side of the bird adds an added dynamic to its friendship with the squirrel. This shows that even the quietest individuals can have a vibrant spirit beneath the surface.

Thank you NetGalley, Laura Baker and Stacey Thomas for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I requested this book to read and review with my toddlers, who are working on a 1,000 unique book before kindergarten challenge. This was a GREAT and perfect book for my twins, who are different in almost every way. Before reading, we talked about squirrels and birds and their habits, habitats, what sound they make, and what they like to do. My kids jumped around like squirrels and fluttered their wings like birds, it was so cute!

We read the story and each twin could identify themself, one as the quiet and shy bird and one as the loud carefree squirrel. We talked about those differences and how everyone is different, and how it's good to be unique!

My kids resonated with this and I loved the illustrations and yellow, warm color. Will definitely add this to a future read list.


Thank you allowing me to read and review your work.

Valkyrie

Lovely illustrations. What a sweet message about friendship and different parts of our personalities. Great for introverts and extroverts. I highly recommend this book for classrooms and school libraries.