The titular pair have settled into second grade, but worrywart Shermy has plenty to contend with, from a substitute teacher who doesn’t follow the class schedule to anxieties about Shake’s possible upcoming move. Short sections, organized by month from December through February, contrast Shermy’s orderly nature and “fizzy and loud” Shake’s more laid-back one. On a visit to the animal shelter, for instance, Shake bonds with a boisterous pooch named Bruno, while Shermy relates to quiet, uncertain Wally. Larson emphasizes that friendship requires effort and empathy and is often more about appreciating differences than being the same. Low on drama, this gently told book is episodic in nature, though a few storylines pop up. When the students in Shermy and Shake’s class write letters to their favorite authors, everyone but Shermy receives a message back; Shermy adopts Wally, who proves both a big responsibility, a source of joy, and, eventually, the cause of friction between the two pals. With loving insight and support from his family, Shermy navigates winter and learns a thing or two about friendship and feelings. Shermy presents East Asian; Shake is cued white.
