Squirrel's World: Candlewick Sparks - Hardcover

Lisa Moser is the author of THE MONSTER IN THE BACKPACK, illustrated by Noah Z. Jones. She says she got the idea for this story by watching a squirrel scamper, scamper, scamper around her backyard. She and her family live in Grafton, Wisconsin.

Valeri Gorbachev is the author and illustrator of many acclaimed children’s books, including ALL FOR PIE, PIE FOR ALL by David Martin. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Grade 1–3—Squirrel's world is a dizzying blur of activity and chatter that is somehow endearing and sure to elicit a giggle or two from young readers. The well-meaning but blundering creature frisks and capers through each of the four chapters, offering "assistance" to his friends. The softly colored illustrations and understated text complement each other well. Gorbachev's lively ink-and-watercolor art captures the sleepy patience of Turtle, the tremulous fear of Mouse, and the frenzied energy of Squirrel to a tee. Readers see an exasperated Mouse try to conceal her annoyance with her friend after he accidentally buries her under a pile of food, for the second time. Repetitive text and well-designed pages support the efforts of young readers who will likely enjoy Squirrel's humorous misadventures and his unique way of talking. Despite his many missteps, Squirrel's good heart shines through as he comforts Rabbit, who is frightened of being alone in the dark. Parents may find that a little Squirrel goes a long way, but young readers who enjoy Dori Chaconas's "Cork and Fuzz" books (Viking) will laugh at his antics.—Neala Arnold, St. Francis Elementary School, MN
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