Review by Booklist Review
Though Chipmunk goes to the beach with Bear, he doesn't share his big buddy's love of the seashore. For every positive declaration Bear makes (I like to swim.), Chipmunk has the same reply Not me! While Bear enjoys the sun, sand, and water, Chipmunk is clobbered by a sandy ball, pinched by a crab, and spurted skyward after a playful whale capsizes their rowboat. Before they head for home, Bear asks his friend why he came to the beach. His reply? To be with you. Besides showing that Chipmunk has a mind of his own, this companion to Gorbachev's Me Too (2013) offers an array of fun-in-the-sun activities that contrast nicely with the first picture book's winter pastimes. The pleasing watercolor-and-ink illustrations portray the mishaps with a comical touch and the characters with affection. With its large format, big print, and easy-to-read text, the book works well for beginning readers and for reading aloud to younger children. Another enjoyable outing featuring these two good friends.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Chipmunk and Bear return in this fun-filled story. Bear loves everything about going to the beach-the sun, the sand, the water, fish, etc. Chipmunk does not like it at all. When Bear asks him why he came along, Chipmunk simply responds, "I came to be with you." This is a sweet and endearing story about two friends who just want to be together. Vibrant and silly cartoon spreads will delight young children. The minimal text is accessible, and the repeated refrain is perfect for pre- and emergent readers. Children are in for a surprise and giggle when Bear says he hopes he sees a big fish. VERDICT A satisfying seasonal story about the beach but also about best buds.-Megan McGinnis, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
To each of Bear's raves about the beach--"I like the sun"; "I like to swim"--Chipmunk replies, "Not me!" Meanwhile, winking watercolor and ink illustrations show what Bear misses: Chipmunk tossed by a wave, pinched by a crab, etc. A note-perfect punch line--"'Why did you come?' said Bear. 'I came to be with you.' said Chipmunk"--makes a pleasing valentine to friendship. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
In an odd-couple pairing of Bear and Chipmunk, only one friend is truly happy to spend the day at the beach. "Not me!" is poor Chipmunk's lament each time Bear expresses the pleasure he takes in sunning, swimming, and other activities at the beach. While controlled, repetitive text makes the story accessible to new readers, slapstick humor characterizes the busy watercolor-and-ink illustrations and adds interest. Poor Chipmunk is pinched by a crab, buried in sand, and swept upside down into the water, to name just a few mishaps. Although other animal beachgoers seem to notice Chipmunk's distress, Bear cheerily goes about his day and seems blithely ignorant of his friend's misfortunes. The playful tone of the illustrations helps soften the dynamic so that it doesn't seem as though Chipmunk is in grave danger or that Bear is cruel. As they leave at the end of the book Bear finally asks, "Why did you come?" and Chipmunk's sweet response caps off the day with a warm sunset in the background. An early reader that kids will want to befriend. (Early reader. 5-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
