Scaredy Squirrel Has a Birthday Party

February 14, 2011
It shouldn't surprise readers that Scaredy Squirrel doesn't like, well, surprises. And, as his fifth picture book demonstrates, that includes birthday party surprises, even when it's his birthday. Scaredy is all too aware of the pitfalls that can spoil such an occasion: confetti, Bigfoot, clownfish, ants, ponies, and porcupines. His solution? Scaredy Squirrel, party of one, please. But Scaredy's plan to not invite any guests gets tossed aside when he receives a birthday card from Buddy the dog; he invites Buddy, a "risky move!" that upends the rest of Scaredy's porcupine- and pony-defying preparations when Buddy shows up with several canine friends. After freaking out ("He chases... He screams... He ducks... He freezes and... PLAYS DEAD"), Scaredy realizes (as usual) that all his worrying is for naught. Might the panphobic squirrel finally be cured? Don't bet on it, but kids should have as much fun as ever following along as Watt shares Scaredy's idea of party small talk ("So, do you come here often?") and birthday dos and don'ts. Hint: the only "do" is "sit quietly." Ages 3–8.

January 15, 2011
When Scaredy Squirrel plans a party, he concentrates on maximum security, not maximum fun. His checklist: "Confirm date of birth; pick a safe location; choose party colors; get tuxedo dry-cleaned; prepare cake recipe; practice breathing (to blow up balloons/blow out candles); mail party invitation to myself." That's right—there's only one guest at Scaredy's birthday party, and it's himself. But when his chum Buddy sends him a birthday card, he reconsiders his guest list to include his pal, even making the momentous decision to hold his party on the ground instead of in his tree. Replete with the lists and diagrams that are this OCD rodent's hallmarks, the story unfolds with both humor and some useful etiquette tips. From conversational gambits (good: "If you were a tree, what type of tree would you be?"; bad: "Is that a muskrat on your head? Oops... it's a toupee") to the "dos and don'ts of partying" (do: sit quietly; don't: double-dip), kids will find much to laugh at and think about. Typically (for a Scaredy adventure), despite a plan so complete it includes tooth-brushing breaks, a surprise happens—party animals show up! Watt's wry digital illustrations make the most of the perceived mayhem, using a host of graphic conventions to tell her story. There's no question it's a formula by now, but it's still a winning one. Many happy returns, Scaredy. (Picture book. 4-8)

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May 1, 2011

K-Gr 2-Scaredy Squirrel's birthday is rapidly approaching. He plans to celebrate as he always has-safe and sound in his oak tree, where no one can surprise him. But an unexpected birthday card leads him to expand the party. When some "party animals" appear, he finds that it is worth letting go of your worries when you're surrounded by friends. This book is very detailed-the protagonist keeps copious lists of things he is scared of, party plans, and safety precautions to protect him from any surprises or loud noises. All of these plans are layered across the pages, with grids of illustrations or checklists trailing down the pages. This is definitely a book for one-on-one sharing or individual reading sessions. The illustrations are exactly what Watt is known for-round-faced animals, goofy expressions, and lots and lots of worry. Scaredy Squirrel will be enjoyed by children who have gone to a birthday party or two and can appreciate the slapstick humor. They might also sense a bit of the isolation that the squirrel's anxiety has created in the past.-Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.