Friends Stick Together is surprising, a brilliant pairing, and very funny.
Before the story starts, we’re clued into the personalities of the two main characters right on the title page:
A studious rhino. And a cheeky tickbird.
Publisher’s description: Rupert is a rhinoceros of refined sensibilities. Levi, the new tickbird in class, is not. He burps the alphabet, tells corny jokes, and does really embarrassing air guitar solos. Worse, he lands right on Rupert and is determined to be Rupert’s symbiotic best pal! Rupert wants him gone. But when Levi finally does bug off, Rupert finds the peace and quiet a little boring. It turns out, Rupert could really use a friend like Levi.
Which can lead to lots of discussions about many different kinds of symbiotic relationships in classrooms and at home.
The acrylic-based illustrations are funny and exquisitely textured. And I love her cozy color palette. I’m giving Hannah E. Harrison my vote for the Caldecott! But you never know, they may take exception to the fact that Rupert and Levi’s class has a kangaroo teacher, because rhinos and kangaroos are not found on the same continent. But if we’re talking about friendship and acceptance, maybe we can include the concept of immigration, too….
Title: Friends Stick Together
Author/Illustrator: Hannah Harrison
Publisher: Penguin/Dial Books for Young Readers, 2018
Themes: friendship, symbiosis, appreciation of differences
Ages: Prek – 3rd grade
For more perfect picture books, visit Susanna Hill’s blog.
Jilanne Hoffmann 
… grit, as well, for the eggshells; don’t forget the grit
I am at sea with respect to your comment. Grit and eggshells have a symbiotic relationship? Grit and friendship? Eggs and grit and immigration? Did you have grit in your breakfast scramble this morning? Talk to me….
your invitation to comment is bannered: “Please feed the chickens…”, so I started it off with the ‘grit’ reference, but also, cunningly, referring to the fact that symbiosis needs some sort of contrast to recognise before the ‘sym’ can take place, let alone the ‘osis’, even if the ‘bi’ is just ‘self’ and ‘not-self’ … you can come back into harbour now …
Safely moored once again, LOL. Thank you!
This only looks charming!
Back to the library I go!
On PPBF I usually end up heading to the library or putting books on hold in large groups. It’s good for circulation! Theirs and mine, LOL.
Yes! I’m at the library a few days every week so it’s fun to look for new ones or put them on request to purchase or be on the waiting list
The cover sells this story — wow! What a great book about friendship. I love your review.
Two very different personalities find that they can enjoy each other’s company and be friends. An idea that helps promote goodwill and appreciation for those who are different from us, don’t you think?
Oh, I love the 2 definitions that relate to the characters – what a genius idea! Now I have to see this book!
It’s so cool when you find a book that surprises, makes you laugh, AND go awwwwww.
I adore this book. And the the author’s cheekiness. So many subtle “tongue & cheek” and cultural references throughout the book!
It’s one of those books that surprises with its originality and humor. Really well done.