Smick is a BIG dog.
Sit, Smick.
Chick is a little chick.
Stay, Smick!
So what happens when they see a stick?
Written by New York Times bestselling author Doreen Cronin and ingeniously illustrated by newcomer Juana Medina, Smick is a story of unlikely friendship, a sense of adventure, and a lot of wonderful wordplay.
PreS-Gr 1—A pup named Smick, an ordinary stick, and one adorable chick form an unlikely trio. The first few pages introduce the pup while spare text lists commands for the canine. Next, a stick is introduced into the story line and serves as a tantalizing treat for the pooch. Smick is encouraged to act on his interest in chasing his new toy. “Go, Smick, go!” His ears twitch as the next word introduces the newest arrival: “Chick?” Initially, it appears that Smick and Chick are in a standoff until they realize that there is much joy to be found in their relationship; the final page features Smick and Chick in a moment of slobbery affection. “Sidekick…Sidechick…Side lick!” With only a smattering of words and thick dark outlined drawings on the white pages, Smick’s telling facial features accentuate his playful charm. Photographs of flower petals and rosemary tree sticks are combined with digital images to achieve an excellent effect. VERDICT This clever and appealing glimpse into the start of some delightful friendships is one doggone good time.
—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC for School Library Journal
“Maximum fun.”—Booklist, starred review
“A great dual-purpose title that will serve both very young picture-book audiences and barely emergent readers, this will be a happy collection workhorse. Workdog?”—BCCB, starred review
“Less is definitely more in this fetching, fun-filled mix of dog, chick and stick, guaranteed to tickle all.”—Kirkus Reviews