I’ve learned to avoid New Year’s resolutions; however, I may have to break that trend this new year, thanks to Squirrel’s Fun Day by author/illustrator duo Lisa Moser and Valeri Gorbachev.

The big, wonderfully enchanting world fills squirrel with such enthusiastic delight he determines his only to-do for the day is to have fun. But when he asks Mouse to join him, Mouse replies,

I can’t have fun. I have too much work to do.

I grimace a little because I identify with this scurrying creature. Undaunted, Squirrel pitches in and “helps,” coaxing Mouse to an energetic meadow frolic that somehow finds Squirrel in rescue mode and Mouse covered in strawberry juice.

Although Mouse is finished having fun for the day, Squirrel is filled to bursting with the day’s potential and goes looking for turtle to join him. “Let’s go have fun,” says Squirrel. Turtle replies,

Do I have to get off my log?

I have to remind myself this is a children’s book.

When Squirrel “helps” Turtle with a tricky pond crossing that somehow leads to a mud-coated shell, Turtle is ready for a nap, not more fun.

But once again, Squirrel, so full of energy and ready for more, scampers off to find another buddy to share his fun. To Squirrel’s invitation, rabbit replies,

Oh, no. I can’t have fun. It is time for me to eat grass at the big oak tree…I always do things the same way.

The calendar’s page has just turned: new year. This may be the perfect time to challenge old ways, ruts, and routines. Need-to’s and excuses call for careful scrutiny.

Squirrel’s wisdom winds through my wandering resolve:

Think backwards and see what you didn’t the first time.

Try bridge-building, and meet in the middle.

Fun is everywhere, although its path may be muddy.

And, as it turns out (spoiler alert), Squirrel’s friends were not worse but better for the day’s exuberance:

I stopped working and ate sweet strawberries.

I got off my log and played in the mud.

I don’t need need a trail anymore. I know the way.

Children’s books have a way of reframing the wonder necessary for us to manage in this ever-changing world. And, Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience at McGill University, author of The Organized Mind (2014), Daniel J. Levitin, PhD, affirms Squirrel’s advice is just what we need:

We need to be proactive about reducing stress by doing things that reset our working brains—

experiencing nature and art,

allowing the mind-wandering mode to kick in regularly,

and spending time with friends. (p112)

I am resolved. How about you?