When Stick wonders about his family tree (in a literal as well as a genealogical sense), he and his buddy, Stone, set out on a quest to find his origins. Together, Stick (a stick with a face as well as stubby arms and legs) and Stone (a round stone with a genial countenance) explore mountains, valleys, and woodlands without success. Strolling and rolling through a darkening forest, they become lost and frightened until they encounter their friend Pinecone, who leads them home. When Stick gives up on finding his family, Stone informs him, "Your family's ME!" His revelation strikes home with Stick, who realizes that he can always count on his best friend. A sequel to Stick and Stone (2014), this story begins with curiosity, leads to adventure, and ends (like so many road trips) with a character gaining a new perspective on what really matters. Excellent for reading aloud, Ferry's light-verse text will engage and amuse young children, while Lichtenheld's pleasing illustrations feature rounded forms, harmonious colors, and lively, lovable characters. A rewarding picture book.

When you search for family-and discover it's always been there.The pals introduced in Stick and Stone's first eponymous outing (2015) set out on a quest for Stick's literal family tree. From what kind of tree did he break off? Oak, spruce, willow? The duo ventures forth, determined to find Stick's origins, traversing bodies of water, forests, valleys, and mountains. Though surrounded by trees, Stick can't find his familial roots. Soon, things turn ominous: Darkness falls, shadows and strange noises become unnerving, and the terrified pair realizes they're lost. No fear, though. They eventually return safely, and Stone helps disconsolate Stick understand who his family is and always has been-and that differences don't matter. This sweetly adorable story, expressed textually through simple, jaunty verse, conveys the reassuring message that family and true friends always (ahem) stick by you when you need them. The bright illustrations, aptly set mostly in nature, are equally endearing, with the protagonists exuding optimism and cheerfulness (except during that scary forest adventure). They register a broad range of expressions, though their faces are created merely from dots and curves denoting broad smiles. Brownish Stick bears pairs of short, chunky projectiles connoting limbs; his tilted head resembles a wizard's cap. Stone is orange-brown and looks like a rotund meatball. Endpapers feature numerous smiling iterations of Stick representing branches from different trees; included labels and leaves show variances.Kids won't be stone faced and will definitely stick with this delightful story about friendship. (Picture book. 4-7)