Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle

May 1, 2021
An unlikely pair finds an enterprising approach to acquiring a vehicle. Round-headed, flat-faced Sloth and small, wiry, gray Squirrel are friends. When Squirrel sees a tandem bike zip past their tree, he wants one immediately. He wants to "go FAST!" Sloth at first only opens an eye to see what's up but goes along ("s-l-o-w-l-y") to the bike shop with his friend. Squirrel and Sloth discover that bicycles are expensive, so they take on a job as pickle packers to earn enough to buy one. The pickle-packer manager, a magnificent blue-feathered peacock, is not impressed with their work. However, he pays them--mostly in pickles--and Sloth, the thinker to Squirrel's doer, comes up with an idea that pays off. When Sloth's tropical ice pop plops to the ground (because he eats very s-l-o-w-l-y), he invents a new treat. The success of their pickle-pop business means that Sloth and Squirrel can successfully address their need for speed in a way that doesn't put Sloth to sleep. Mealey's entertainingly silly, original plot includes plenty of dialogue and subtle wordplay, both visual and textual. Collier's low-key palette and expressively droll cartoon characters keep each double-page spread lively. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Sure to tickle more than a few ribs. (Picture book. 3-6)

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