The Secret Life of Squirrels: Back to School!

June 1, 2018
The latest in Rose's series snaps her backyard squirrels (and one chipmunk) against school backdrops. The animals will be the big draw for readers: Who could resist two squirrels shopping for school supplies while pushing a tiny grocery cart? Or the pair at the picnic table nibbling peanuts in front of the swings and slide on the playground? (The author's note will be of particular interest to readers who are curious how Rose captured these photos.) The story that goes with the pics tells of Rosie, a teacher, and her friend Mr. Peanuts as they spend the day before school starts getting ready for the year. They unpack the classroom library, set up the art corner, and decorate the classroom with a banner and the rules. Mr. Peanuts helps Mr. Chipper, the gym teacher, with his equipment and then practices driving his bus route. Rosie tidies the garden and visits with a fellow teacher. Told from a third-person point of view with dialogue from the characters, the story is no great shakes (though it does accurately reflect how teachers get ready for school), but the pics are really the point, and readers will both pore over them and attempt their own scene setting and camerawork. Adorable squirrels give readers a peek at how teachers spend their time getting ready for their students. (Picture book. 3-7)

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June 4, 2018
Rose, whose staged squirrel photographs first gained popularity through social media, offers her fourth outing to feature furry backyard visitors. Mr. Peanuts, a school bus driver, and Rosie, a teacher, are preparing for the school year. In Rosie’s classroom, the two unpack books, hang a welcome banner, post classroom rules, and set up the art corner. The story’s allure lies in the squirrels’ seemingly natural presence within the carefully constructed miniature scenes—an effect achieved, an appended note explains, “by hiding peanuts in and around the props.” Ages 4–8.

August 1, 2018

PreS-Gr 1-Fans of the previous books in the series may once again follow the busy antics of the squirrels through the author's inventive photography, as the squirrels investigate and play with tiny objects-a new set featuring the Sunnywood Education Center, a yellow school bus, and a "Squirrel X-ing" zone. Young readers watch as Rosie, Mr. Peanuts, Mr. Chipper, and their friends prepare for the first day of school. Photo images feature squirrels as they fill carts to buy school supplies, unpack books, set up a classroom, organize and clean up craft supplies, try out music instruments, test out the playground, check out the bus route, and prepare supplies for a garden or first aid kit. VERDICT This is a tale of busy bushy-tails, an invitation to conversation about the start of the school year or first experiences, and a suggested general purchase for libraries with young animal lovers.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

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