Not Me! — Valeri Gorbachev

"I like the beach," says Bear. "Not me!" says Chipmunk―and for so many reasons. The sun is blinding. It's hard to stay upright in an inner tube. The sea life isn't always friendly. As many times as Bear proclaims his love for beach activities, Chipmunk responds with the refrain, "Not me!" As Chipmunk's misadventures pile up, he has to admit, "I am not a beach person." At this story's heartwarming conclusion, Bear asks, "Why did you come?" Chipmunk replies simply, "I came to be with you." Newly proficient young readers will find humor and a reminder about the true nature of friendship.