Nutty Tree Inhabitants

After the last of the leaves fell to the ground this autumn, you can stand in the center of my back yard and see eight squirrel nests.  No wonder nearly any time of the day during the summer one or more can be seen scampering across the yard.  Sometimes it looks as though two are playing a fast and furious game of tag.  It soon became obvious size is not an indicator of dominance.  The smallest red squirrel seems to always be chasing the larger fox squirrels.

You would think with winter, by the calendar, nearly a month old all the squirrels would be set for the season but the other day before a particular bout of bitter temperatures, one scampered across the yard with a bunch of leaves to bolster a nest.  Watching it move up the trunk, it did not go to one of the many leafy apartments but to a hole in one of the trees.  Squirrels Leap, Squirrels Sleep (Henry Holt and Company, November 1, 2016) written by April Pulley Sayre with illustrations by Steve Jenkins is the fourth collaboration by this team combining poetry and art to deliver facts to readers.

Squirrels wrestle.
Squirrels leap.
Squirrels climb.
Squirrels sleep.

In this title we become acquainted with gray, fox, red and flying squirrels.  Some traits they share in common, other characteristics are particularly specialized to only one.  Their tails are more than a fluffy adornment.  They function as protection from the weather and keep them centered as they scoot from place to place high above the ground.  Their eyes, noses, jaws and paws function with purpose.

I wonder if their chirping is simple chatter, code for danger or perhaps they are calling out to one another in greeting.  All you have to do is walk across an area inhabited by squirrels to see evidence of their work.  Nuts, whole or in pieces, are everywhere.  You can see small holes as they bury or dig up their stores.  There might be some new oak trees sprouting in the spring.  Who knew squirrels are nature's gardeners?

If you happen to catch one midrun across the grass, in a flash they disappear up a tree trunk.  Have they gone to the top or only the other side, hiding?  With all the energy they expend during the day, it's no wonder they curl up as night descends to rest and relax.


Twelve poems supply a very squirrel-like cadence to readers.  Each four-line narrative rhymes on the second and fourth line.  April Pulley Sayre, a keen observer of nature and in this case squirrels, presents them exactly as they are seen out in the world; full of energy, stopping with twitching tails and paws but ready to charge like lightning if needed.  She weaves information into each poem; the purpose of tails, how specific physical characteristics are used by the squirrels, where they stay and rest, how they gather and hoard, and most importantly how they keep the trees they need growing.  They are the forest gardeners.  Here is another sample poem.

Squirrels gather.
Squirrels store.
How many seeds?
More, more, more!


Time and time again, if you happen to be observant in your neighborhood or out walking in the woods, you will have seen a squirrel leaping precisely as pictured by Steve Jenkins on the front of the dust jacket.  His cut-and-torn-paper collage illustrative technique is nearly photographic in detail.  Crossing over the spine leaves, branches and two squirrels frame the three previous collaborations of Sayre and Jenkins.  As in much of his other work, Jenkins uses white space to great advantage.

On the book case hues of brown cover the front and back.  As on the jacket the back highlights the other three titles but close observation shows these are placed on portions of a tree.  Moving to the right, on the front, a sleeping squirrel is shown curled up in a furry ball in its nest.  A pattern of acorns, caps on, caps off, covers the opening and closing endpapers. A two-page picture of squirrels, branches and leaves provides space for the title and verso pages.

For each of the twelve poems Jenkins gives readers a double-page image.  In many of them he frames specific actions within a circle imposed on top of the main illustration.  With his masterful skills he manages to fashion squirrels that literally look ready to leap off the page.  When they look right at the reader on several pages, you can almost hear them chattering at you.  Jenkins cleverly shifts his perspective; sometimes you can get a broader view of the action and then with a page turn, you feel as though you are part of the squirrelish fun.

One of my favorite illustrations is of a squirrel stretching from a tree trunk to gather an acorn.  How they can do that without falling is amazing.  Jenkins captures the stretch perfectly.  Above the oak branches on the right, he features two circular smaller illustrations.  In one a squirrel is looking at us from within a hole in the tree.  In the other a squirrel is curled up in a nest at rest.

Squirrels Leap, Squirrels Sleep written by April Pulley Sayre with illustrations by Steve Jenkins is a lively look at these backyard and forest inhabitants.  This collaboration is as fine as the others, encouraging readers to respect and appreciate their world.  At the close of the narrative are four pages of further facts grouped by species in this book, tails as tools, squirrels glide, early life, feeding time, all in the family, tree hole homes, squirrels: the planters, overwhelmed by acorns, conifer seed collectors, squirrel ancestors, helping oaks and animals and old tree neighborhoods.  There is also a list of suggestions for further reading and interesting notices in the news.  This title was selected by the NSTA in their Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12: 2017.

To learn more about April Pulley Sayre and Steve Jenkins please follow the links attached to their names to access their respective websites.  If you wish to view some interior images from this title stop by the publisher's website.  Enjoy the book trailer.


If you have not seen their previous titles, Eat Like A Bear and Woodpecker Wham! please read these posts.  All of the books by this team are outstanding.


Please visit Kid Lit Frenzy hosted by educator Alyson Beecher to see the titles selected by participating bloggers in the 2017 Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge.  This week Alyson highlights titles coming in January.

Into The Great Outdoors

The attraction of tents, whether shaped by quilts and chairs in the solace of your home or by any number of commercial manufacturers for use outdoors in any season, is undisputed.  There is a comfortable coziness inside especially at night within the warm glow from a flashlight or lantern.  Depending on where your tent is located (bedroom, backyard, National Park or wilderness), the sounds and visitors in the night, or day, may vary.

While most people at one point in their lives have reaped the benefits of camping outdoors in a tent, there are others who never have or never will partake in this form of adventure.  They prefer the risk factor of staying home versus venturing into the unknown.  As readers of the series can probably guess, Scaredy Squirrel falls into the former category. Little does our worry-wart friend know but in Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping (Kids Can Press) written and illustrated by Melanie Watts, life has one surprise after another in store for him.

Scaredy Squirrel never goes camping.

It's too unpredictable and needs more effort than he is willing to invest.  There are six, no more, no less, problems which might arise, skunks, zippers, mosquitoes, quicksand, penguins, and The Three Bears. (Are you laughing yet?  I am.)

He's got the perfect plan for camping without ever leaving his snug dwelling.  Television guide in hand, he's made a mental list of camping and adventure shows to watch.  Hmmmm....there is one small hitch though.  Scaredy Squirrel needs to complete the successful navigation to the nearest electrical outlet. 

Mr. Ready-For-Any Disaster begins preparations.  His necessary supplies make no sense at all unless paired with the aforementioned hazards; his logic defies explanation.  His attire from head to toe including a nose plug for whiffy smells and a penny for good luck will promote happiness...he thinks.  Every detail is considered.  There is a time schedule. A map from home to goal with notes for using the supplies is an essential.

With physical training successfully finished and the weather and natural phenomenon (volcanic eruptions) monitored, our "Nervous Nellie"  skitters along his pre-determined route until...gigantic trouble looms into his vision.  Fright ensues. All plans are abandoned in light of sheer survival.  Hours later Scaredy Squirrel makes a discovery which, he has to admit, changes his outlook about the outdoors.

Melanie Watt has created in the character of Scaredy Squirrel a means to face fears with silly, super-readiness. From the first page covered in zippers containing a message:

WARNING!
Scaredy Squirrel insists you check your zippers before reading this book.

followed by the title page showing him, eyes closed wearing a hat with netting as a mosquito waits at the ready, readers are treated to this little guy's special brand of thinking.  With short, matter-of-fact sentences, single word labels, explanatory guidelines and comments we are privy to the process in this latest episode.  His postscript sums up the entire narrative in a nutshell...acorn specifically.

Digitally rendered illustrations in natural shades of greens, browns, rusty oranges with red accents color Scaredy Squirrel's world.  The expressions on his face whether relaxing, in conversation, fearful, determinedly planning or at ease in blissful enjoyment are fully animated, charming and hilarious.  For emphasis he may appear in a circle within another picture. Rows of squares, two-page spreads, diagrams, maps, instructions, charts, and single page visuals match the mood of the story to perfection.


All year long in the "W" area of fiction there is a gaping hole where the Scaredy Squirrel books would be shelved. They are returned and leave again on the same day; sometimes in the same class period.  Fans of the series are going to love this newest installment by Melanie Watt, Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping.  Even if you've never read a Scaredy Squirrel title, this one is not to be missed.  How could you not read this book, looking at the face on the jacket and cover?  Pair it with your other camping books, funny books or those books to be read over and over.

A link to Melanie Watt's blog is embedded in her name above. She has lots of extras, several book trailers for other books in the series.  Scaredy Squirrel has his own website linked above.  Follow this link to a couple of activity pages. 

Don't Look Now But It's The...

Even before all the scientific studies, we knew in our deepest selves the power of laughter; feeling an overall sense of well-being the harder and longer we laughed.  Shared laughter with children, students, is the best of the best; the sound of their immediate joy, heavenly.  Having a sense of humor fine-tuned to the slightest nuance in a narrative or picture makes them the perfect candidates for the enjoyment found in a good story.

The popularity of graphic novels has thankfully grown by proverbial leaps and bounds in the past several years.  Their ability to hook those reluctant to read, with tightly woven narratives (some wordless) and artwork stunning in layout, design and detail, is a source of pleasure for all who want to bring more members into the reading community.  When looking through the nominations for the 2012 Nerdy Book Club Award for graphic novels, Bird & Squirrel On The Run! (Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic) written and illustrated by James Burks caught my eye; a title already on my TBR pile.




WHAT A...
...PERFECT...
...DAY...
...FOR...
...FLYING!

Zooming through the trees the delight of Bird is obvious as he extends joyous greetings to one and all.  Nearby Squirrel is on a mission scurrying with infinite care from point to point, ever alert to danger, to get one final acorn for his winter stash.  All is well until Bird swoops down and nearly scares him to death.

Speaking of death...Squirrel is sure vigilance is necessary to:  1. keep the Cat from enjoying him as a meal and  2. make sure he has enough acorns stored to fend off starvation during the winter. Squirrel turns down all invitations to fly with Bird determined to make it home with his last load.  But Bird flies back into his life much sooner than he thought he would.

Due to his devil-may-care curiosity Cat is now hot on Bird's tail.  Squirrel becomes a reluctant hero but looses all his food.  Circumstances have left Squirrel with no choice.  He has to travel south with Bird.

Neither the raging waters of a river and waterfall, the thunder and lightning of a ferocious storm, the deepest dark of an underground home, the vicious attack by a swarm of bees, the sudden cold of snow showers, the dangers of a slithering snake nor the horrors of a hungry hawk can dissuade Bird from his over-the-top optimism.  Squirrel, on the other hand, is nearly paralyzed by his persistent pessimism.  Of course Cat, in possession of at least some of those nine lives, is constantly prowling ready to pounce when they least expect it.

This clash of personalities with danger lurking around every corner leads to a humorous adventure that's an action bonanza.  The tenuous friendship of Bird and Squirrel (more on Squirrel's part than Bird's) is tested again and again.  Readers will be on the edge of their seats wondering if the two can, however briefly, assume some of the other's personality traits in order to complete their trip.  Will they be able to plunge with pleasure into the Great Unknown?


Within the first few pages the stark contrast of descriptive dialogue written by James Burks for his characters leaves no doubt in the reader's mind as to how each views life.  The non-speaking role (except for some loud meows) of Cat as an adversary heightens the differences between the two.  The playful, sometimes taunting, even sarcastic, verbal exchanges provide for laugh-out-loud moments.

Here is a single example after they've driven off a bridge into the river.  Bird begins the conversation.

WOOHOO!
HIGH FIVE!
WE LOST
THE CAT.

ARE YOU INSANE?
WE ALMOST DIED.
AND NOW WE HAVE
NO SUPPLIES.

BUT WE GET TO
FLOAT DOWN THE
RIVER ON A LOG,
AND THAT'S
PRETTY COOL.
JUST LISTEN TO
THE SOOTHING
SOUND OF THE
RUNNING WATER.

ACORNS
TO OAKS!
IT'S A WATERFALLLL!

WOOOHOOOOOO!


Using bright realistic colors Burks brings us panel by panel, page by page, into the madcap escapades of these two seemingly mismatched pals.  The first two pages with the goggle-clad yellow Bird zipping up and down and around the trees zooming in and out on his flight pattern sets the stage for the ensuing events. Following his pure delight is the furtive, frightened, overly cautious movements of the blue acorn-helmet wearing Squirrel intent on reaching his goal undetected.  Their squarish body shapes (not to mention Squirrel's head looking like a nut when he wears the helmet) add to the comedic effect.  When the plump feline enters the scene with the exaggerated mouth size, an emotional impact is guaranteed.

The looks on all the characters faces, the combination of eyes, mouths and general body language, are hilarious.  Extra details endear readers to the duo; Squirrel having a red bike with a cart attached for hauling nuts, Bird wearing a sink plunger as a hat when they begin their journey.  Then too, there's the faint trail of smoke coming from the Cat's tail hours after he's struck by lightning.  Lucky for Bird and Squirrel, without their knowledge, Burks has given him troubles of his own.


Who doesn't love to laugh?  Written and illustrated by James Burks Bird & Squirrel On The Run! is pure fun; perfect for readers of any age.  Shared troubles on the road south bring about changes, all for the good of a friendship founded and forged on differences.  This is one graphic novel not to be missed.

For more information about James Burks follow the link to his website embedded in his name above.  Here is a link to a page on his blog for drawing Bird.  I thought Bird's idea of a theme song for the friends was pretty cute, so here is a link to my version of his tune.

It's A Bird, It's A Plane, It's A...Squirrel?

When you grow to love the characters in a book, the news that the author and illustrator are collaborating to create a second is cause for jubilation.  If the second title is as good as or even better than the first, a reader begins to hope, hope for yet another.  When the third volume appears you want to  climb the tallest tree with a megaphone and shout out the good tidings to anyone who will listen.

Since their initial entry into the world of children's literature with Those Darn Squirrels, followed by Those Darn Squirrels and the Cat Next Door, the duo of author, Adam Rubin, and illustrator, Daniel Samieri, have become known for their absolute hilarity.  Third in the series, Those Darn Squirrels Fly South (Clarion Books) is no exception. There is a marvelous magic in the number three.

Old Man Fookwire lived at the edge of town in a beautiful forest full of birds and squirrels.

If you looked up the definition of cranky, crabby and cantankerous in the dictionary, I give you one guess as to whose picture would be there.  Yes, indeed...Old Man Fookwire.  That guy seems to find fault with nearly everything except for the birds in the forest.  Seasons permitting, he paints pictures of them for hours each and every day.

With winter in the offing, he is not looking forward to the snowy, blowy days without their company.  Of course, he won't be entirely alone.  Oh, no, those darn squirrels will be wreaking havoc as per usual.  Unbeknownst to Old Man Fookwire, the inventive fluff-tailed creatures are hard at work on another of their ingenious plans.

Mr. Never Smiles is flabbergasted to hear strange sounds following the faint cries of his birds fluttering southward.  It's those darn squirrels in all sorts of flying contraptions!  Why should the birds have all the fun of frolicking in the sunny climes?

Weeks go by with Old Man Fookwire settling in for a long winter.  He is suddenly wakened by the strangest phone call.  It would seem that a trip needs to be made in his 1957 sports car.  

It's doubtful anyone will ever be able to explain what happened at the end of that journey south.  Maybe it was because of those darn squirrels but when Fookwire arrived, he did something that even surprised him.  A word of warning, whatever you do, keep the squirrels away from your car.

Witty, declarative sentences string together to form an outlandish story told matter-of-factly which in turn induces loads of laughs.  Adam Rubin's gift of gab is further exemplified in the names of his bird types (not to mention the name Fookwire), his keen descriptions of place and events and sometimes in his use of a repetitive form for emphasis.  His ability to speed up, slow down, shift from one character's scene to another without losing the flow makes for jim-dandy reading.  Here is a single passage.

Fookwire pouted as the sound of flapping wings

faded into the distance.  He turned to go inside---

and heard a rustling in the trees.  A rustling

followed by a whir.  A whir followed by a buzz.

Rendered in watercolor, gouache and colored pencil, Daniel Salmieri's illustrations truly heighten and extend the prevalent humor.  His cover and jacket clearly predict the eventual "family" gathering on the warmer southern sands.  His title page features blue sky and a sandy beach with the bottom portion of a chunky tree in the center, showcasing a carved title, author and illustrator names with the "Fly South" written on paper tacked to the tree, six squirrel tales sticking out from behind.

Old Man Fookwire is characterized with long skinny arms and legs, bald head, glasses propped on a pointy nose and a mouth which from time to time appears almost beakish.  Perhaps he is assuming the qualities of the feathered friends he so admires.  Incredible detail in the squirrels' workshop as they perfect their modes of flight, following their take-off, travel, landing and celebration are fantastically funny.  Salmieri most definitely creates motion and mood expertly.  

The only thing better than laughing out loud when you are reading a book by yourself, is to read it aloud with others, sharing in the laughter.  Those Darn Squirrels Fly South by Adam Rubin with illustrations by Daniel Salmieri is guaranteed to provoke gales of giggles and glee.  I dare you...I double dog dare you...to read this and not have an ear to ear grin plastered on your face more than once.

Canine Capers

Experience has taught me a thing or two about dogs which are "set in stone".  Squirrels drive them wild and their instinct, memory if you will, for a routine is uncanny.  My first two, sisters and black Labradors, Soot and Cinder, would begin twirling and barking at the softest whisper of the word squirrel.  Thankfully, the squirrels were always faster.

Even though it's been more than three years since a neighborhood dog died, every single time we pass Shadow's home, Xena waits at the end of the driveway for him to appear so we can walk together as we used to do.  Without fail it's the same number of treats before starting and continuing a task.  Truthfully, I have not really needed to set an alarm clock for more than twelve years.  I have my own furry, four-pawed model.

Marla Frazee, twice the winner of the Caldecott Honor medal (2009 for her book, A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever-Harcourt and 2010 for a title written by Liz Garton Scanlon, All The World-Beach Lane Books) has a new book, Boot & Shoe (Beach Lane Books) released less than two weeks ago.  Rest assured these two fit the pooch portrait to a tee.  They give new meaning to following in one's paw prints.

Boot and Shoe were born into the same litter, and now they live in the same house.

The siblings are nearly inseparable in all their daily endeavors except one prefers the back porch and the other the front porch.  Happy with the view, happy with the resting spot, both are the picture of contentment.  Life would have continued like this for them all the days of their lives except for the appearance of one bushy-tailed, nut loving interloper.

A squirrel moseying up to the house has trouble with a capital "T" on its mind.  Racing from one porch to the other, it tantalizes those two pups to no end, repeatedly, until...what's a dog gonna do?  Of course, they chase that fleet-footed bundle of fur until it saunters away as casually as it arrived.  But boy, those two pals are pooped out.

When Boot and Shoe finally gather their wits they find themselves on the opposite porch.  What ensues is a classic comedy of errors.  Neither can find the other in their respective spots.

Both wait for the other through the afternoon, dinner, and a cold evening but no Shoe for Boot, no Boot for Shoe.  Luck is not in their favor no matter what they try.  Night seems to last forever when you're without your other half.

When the sun comes up both are saddened to still be alone but an early morning ritual beckons both.  There's no joy like a dog's joy.  Ahhhhh...together again.


Using repetitive words and phrases Marla Frazee establishes an inviting rhythm, a conversational tone, to her narrative.  You can't help but get attached to the brothers from the very beginning; following them as they do what dogs do, watching as they are teased by a crafty, crazed squirrel, sympathizing when they're separated and sharing in their discovery of one another again. It's like you've got the inside scoop on the latest happenings at this particular house touched with the precise amount of humor (and a tad bit of sadness).


Taking a cue from the colors and patterns used in the dogs names on the jacket and cover, Frazee has her front and back endpapers pictured on one side as a large golden and red checked pattern and a plain sea green on the other.  Careful readers will notice she carries this same scheme in the chairs upon the porches where Boot and Shoe sit each day.

Using black pencil and gouache most of her illustrations are small studies carefully held in the hands of white space further adding to the charm of this story.  Five of the visuals cover two pages to enhance emotional impact.  Attention to detail had me laughing out loud and sighing in understanding; the chase scene with the squirrel, Boot and Shoe looking in every little corner for the other, sitting in the cold rain waiting and sharing the same blue pillow when sleeping, not to mention seeing the squirrel sitting on the roof's edge, watching the two as they go inside.


I've lost count how many times I've read Boot & Shoe written and illustrated by Marla Frazee.  When an author/illustrator captures the essence of two perfectly paired pooches plus one scampy squirrel hilarity is bound to be present...and it is.  It's easy to love this duo identical in every way except for their paws.  Expect multiple requests for read alouds.

If you follow the link embedded in the title above you can see several more illustrations from the book at the publisher's website.