Stick and Stone

Narrated by Maxwell Glick, this animated adaptation of author Beth Ferry and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld's 2015 picture book features watercolor and pencil drawings with dot-eyed smiley faces. Stick and Stone kicks off with a stone sadly balancing only one side of a see-saw and a stick showing up to become pals (“Alone is no fun.”). A jerky Pinecone makes fun of Stone, while Stick, uh, sticks up for his new pal, and the two proceed to enjoy various playground activities and end up lazing by the shore. A dramatic hurricane separates the duo, but Stone's day and night search (wearing a miner's helmet that I have no idea how he puts on or operates, without arms) for his buddy results in a rescue and happy reunion. Featuring music by Jack Sundrud and Rusty Young, as well as a read-along option, this simple, innocuous buddy tale is a strong optional purchase. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood)