(Blue)Squirrel and (Red)Rabbit are new to their neighborhood and each longs for a friend. They wander through the pages of the story, always missing each other as they search a friend. Each is accompanied by tiny caterpillar that offers to help, but is not heard. And, while Squirrel is busy doing things like lugging some nuts over a bridge or rowing a boat, the reader (and the little caterpillar) see Rabbit engaged in his solo activities. Rabbit is equally oblivious to Squirrel in the background as he plays golf or plays in the creek under the bridge. In the end, all is well as the two literally run into each other and become friends. The caterpillars are there, too, commenting that Squirrel and Rabbit should have listened to them. But, “perhaps they don’t speak bug!”. Endpapers are worth a look, as they detail the places Squirrel and Rabbit visit in their quest for friendship and the paths they took while barely missing each other.
Young readers will enjoy this sweet book about finding friends and will delight in knowing what the main characters can’t see right in front of them. Sharing secrets with the caterpillars adds to the fun! Recommended.