• Age: 3 to 7
• Grade: p to 2
• Reading age: 3 to 7

A speedy squirrel and a sleepy sloth try to get the job done in this funny, heartwarming tale of two lovable, but unlikely, friends.

Though Sloth and Squirrel are good friends, they have different ways of doing things --- and different speeds of doing them. So, when Squirrel gets them jobs as pickle packers to earn money for a new bike, things don't go according to plan. It seems that the contrasting skill sets of a fast-as-lightening squirrel and a slow-as-molasses sloth can make for a mess of an outcome, and before long, the friends are shown the pickle factory's door, along with the 677 1/2 jars of pickles they packed incorrectly! Now the pair are bicycle-less, with only pickles to show for themselves. Or so they think --- until the resourceful pair come up with an ingenious plan!

This delightful story from Cathy Ballou Mealey is a celebration of friendships of all kinds and a testament to ingenuity and hard work. Packed with funny details that aren't in the text, Kelly Collier's engaging illustrations are full of personality and silly, emotionally expressive humor. Together they create a hilarious picture book that's perfect for a fun and lively read-aloud. At the same time, the positive themes in the book highlight a growth mindset and character education lessons on teamwork, perseverance and initiative.

Cathy Ballou Mealey is a former college administrator and instructor. She volunteers in schools and organizations supporting children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. She has degrees in psychology, classical studies and higher education administration. She is also the author of When a Tree Grows, published by Sterling in 2019. She lives north of Boston with her family.

Cathy Ballou Mealey's profile page

KELLY COLLIER was born in Ottawa and grew up in Toronto, Ontario, where she still lives with her husband and daughter. She has an identical twin sister and an older brother. As kids, Kelly and her sister drew all the time, mostly in an effort to "outdraw" their brother. Kelly studied illustration in college and is both the author and illustrator of the Steve the Horse series.

Kelly Collier's profile page

Sure to tickle more than a few ribs.

Kirkus Reviews

Young audiences will find the resourcefulness of Sloth and Squirrel amusing and learn that sometimes mistakes can be turned into something positive.—CM Magazine