29 September 2023 I AM STUCK by Julia Mills, HarperCollins/Clarion, September 2023, 48p., ISBN: 978-0-35-869533-2

“Oh, you can depend on me

Over and over, over and over

Know that I intend to be

The one who always makes you laugh until you cry

And you can call on me until the day you die

Years may come and go

Here's one thing I know

All my life

You're a friend of mine”

– Jeffrey Cohen / Narada Walden (1985)

“‘Hey! Are you playing possum?’ 

‘No. I am stuck.’

‘Does it hurt?’

‘It doesn’t hurt. But I feel scared, frustrated, and alone.’

‘You don’t have to be alone.’”

A turtle is stuck on its back. After several animals passing by offer passing advice, a possum happens along. The possum expresses empathy, chooses to keep the turtle company–even through a downpour–and then totally cracks up the turtle, causing the shelled reptile to laugh hard enough to flip right side-up.

“‘You did it!’

‘We did it!’ [The pair high-five.]

‘Getting stuck isn’t so bad when you are here.’”

The turtle has a beautiful watercolor shell that particularly stands out against the mostly-white backgrounds. The author/illustrator concludes with advice for those feeling stuck–use your senses; talk about it; and take a deep breath. 

I AM STUCK is upbeat, uplifting, beautiful, and offers inspiration for those who are in need or encounter a friend in need.

Richie Partington, MLIS

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