Sloth and Squirrel on Vacation - by Cathy Ballou Mealey (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Business is booming at Sloth and Squirrel's Pickle Pops stand, and the two friends are long overdue for a break. "I wish we had time to do something together besides sell Pickle Pops," Squirrel laments. That gives Sloth an idea -- they'll close for vacation! "Brilliant!" says Squirrel. Now to pick a destination ... Raging Rapids Rafting? Sounds to Sloth like they might have forgotten a couple Rs! But there would be plenty of rest and relaxation at Lazy Lodge ... Squirrel can't get excited about lazing around, though ... Finally, they settle on Paradise Park -- Fun. Sun. Something for Everyone! So off they go. While Sloth is taking his time inflating his floatie, Squirrel splashes about, builds a sandcastle and hunts for perfect skipping stones. Just as Sloth is ready to start floating, one of Squirrel's skipping stones pops the floatie. "Oops! Sorry, Sloth!" says Squirrel. "I'll go buy you a new floatie." Then Squirrel takes off in search of the gift shop, leaving Sloth to relax on the beach. But on his way, something catches Squirrel's eye. "Rock climbing! I wonder if Sloth would enjoy that? I'll go check it out." When he reaches the top, he sees the kayaks, then the paragliding, the ziplining, the waterskiing ... It isn't until he realizes how worn out he is from all the activities that it hits him that he hasn't spent any time with Sloth yet. He drags himself back to the beach. Meanwhile, Sloth is waking from a nice, long nap. He looks around for Squirrel, but can't find him anywhere. Uh-oh -- did he sleep too long? He has to find Squirrel so they have their fun vacation together. He leaves the beach to search for him. Will these two lost friends be reunited?"--

Book Synopsis

When a speedy squirrel and a slow-moving sloth discover they want different things from their vacation, things do not go smoothly, but solving problems together is what counts.

Finding a destination that best friends Sloth and Squirrel can agree on for their vacation is tough, until they learn that Paradise Park has "Something for Everyone!" Perfect! While Sloth happily lazes on the sand, Squirrel enjoys rock climbing, kayaking, paragliding, ziplining ... until he starts to miss Sloth, and heads back to find him. Meanwhile, Sloth, finished with his nap, is missing Squirrel, and begins searching for him -- in all the places Squirrel has just been! Will the friends ever have fun together?

Young readers will appreciate how the two lovable, mismatched friends always find a way to work things out. This endearing story makes a funny and engaging read-aloud, offering lessons on caring for others and being adaptable.

Review Quotes

... a nice addition to any children's library.--The Quebec Library Association (ABQLA)

Cartoonish fun for early grades.--School Library Journal

Sure to tickle more than a few ribs.--Kirkus Reviews (Praise for Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle)

Young audiences will find the resourcefulness of Sloth and Squirrel amusing and learn that sometimes mistakes can be turned into something positive.--CM Magazine (Praise for Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle)

About the Author

Cathy Ballou Mealey enjoys all kinds of fun vacation activities, including swimming, reading and sharing sweet treats. When she is not writing or reading, she volunteers for schools and programs that support individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Cathy likes dill pickle pops and chocolate ice cream, but not at the same time! She lives with her husband, son and daughter north of Boston, Massachusetts, where she delights in watching silly squirrel antics and is waiting patiently for a sloth to appear. Instagram @catballoumealey X/Twitter @catballoumealey Bluesky @catballoumealey
Kelly Collier has been drawing since she was little, and studied illustration in college. She is the author-illustrator of the Steve the Horse series and The Imposter, and the illustrator of the Sloth and Squirrel books, the Izzy series and How to Party Like a Snail. She has an identical twin sister and an older brother and lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and daughter.