Tag: squirrels

BONUS REVIEW: It's My Tree by Olivier Tallec

BONUS REVIEW: It’s My Tree by Olivier Tallec

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Kids Can Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

A squirrel declares his love for trees in general and one tree in particular. He’s so attached to his tree – and its pine cones – that he starts to worry that someone will try to take it from him. What could he do to protect his tree?

Review

The illustrations here are exceptional. I love this little squirrel! This plays out like an old cartoon – I could see it in my mind like I was watching Looney Tunes or Tom and Jerry. There’s one frame in particular – after a white page of text, there’s a full picture without text – that’s my absolute favorite spot in the whole book. It’s a highlight in a collection of great pages.

I found it interesting that the squirrel struggles with some grass-is-always-greener/fear-of-missing-out sorts of thoughts just when he gets his tree protected. I’m not sure the intended audience will think much about it, but adults reading along and older kids who read this themselves or who have teachers who use it in the classroom might have some fascinating discussions about what they notice and what they think is going on in the story.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Squirreled Away by Mike Nawrocki

REVIEW: Squirreled Away by Mike Nawrocki

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Tyndale Kids in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Michael and Justin are on an adventure in the Middle East during the summer before 5th grade. Michael’s dad is there for an archaeological dig. While exploring in a cave on the day before their return home, Michael sees something weird on a high ledge. Before he can examine it closer, it’s time to head back for dinner.

Even though Michael’s dad has told the boys they should never be in caves without an expert guide, Michael can’t stop thinking about the cave. He knows he will regret it if they leave tomorrow and he never finds out what was on that ledge. Ignoring Justin’s advice and his dad’s warning, Michael goes back to the cave.

On the plus side, Michael finds what he was curious about – two petrified squirrels. On the down side, though, he gets lost, has to be rescued, and gets in trouble.

Now Michael has to figure out how to get his squirrel discovery through airport security and what he’ll do with the squirrels when he gets home.

Review

This is the first book in the Dead Sea Squirrels series by Mike Nawrocki, one of the creators of Veggie Tales.

This is a fun transitional chapter book with a Christian message about obeying your parents. The message fits nicely into the story and never feels heavy handed.

I can see why the publisher released the first two books of this series at the same time. While this book introduces Michael, his family, Justin and the squirrels, the action doesn’t really kick in with the squirrels in this book. This book really sets up what will happen in the rest of the series. A review copy of book 2, Boy Meets Squirrels, was not available. You can see the cover of book 2 here.

Michael seems like a typical protagonist for these sorts of books – curious, sincere and impulsive. You know he’s going to screw up. Things will fall apart spectacularly at some point. And you trust that he will learn a lesson in the end.

This is a fun start to the series. I’d definitely suggest getting both book 1 and 2 at the same time or your reader will be very frustrated in the end. Two more titles will release later this year.

Rating: ♥♥♥½