With his foot poised to squish an offending ant, a boy listens in surprise as the ant pleads its case: Ants don't steal food but only take crumbs that feed their whole families. They are not that different from each other. After all, they both have a purpose within their communities. This seemingly simple picture book acknowledges everyone's role within nature-both human and insect-and offers opportunities to extend the conversation beyond boys and ants to themes of bullying, peaceful coexistence, or human and animal rights. At story's end, the boy's foot remains raised above the ant. What will the boy do? Better yet, what would the reader do?

What would you do if the ant you were about to step on looked up and started talking? Would you stop and listen? What if your friends saw you hesitate? That’s what happens in this funny, thought-provoking book. Originally a song by a father-daughter team, this conversation between two creatures, large and small, is bound to inspire important discussions. It might even answer that classic childhood question: To squish or not to squish?