Amy Timberlake
Algonquin, 2020
136 pages
Grades 2-5
Animal Fantasy
Badger lives comfortably and predictably in a brownstone, belonging to his Aunt Lula, contentedly studying rocks. One day a knock on the door reveals Skunk, sent by Aunt Lula to also find shelter in the home. Skunk's outgoing and exuberant personality rock Badger's world. First Skunk takes over the "moon room" and then makes extravagant breakfasts, leaving rogue potatoes and expecting Badger to clean up. Well, maybe the breakfasts aren't so bad. The final straw arrives as Skunk invites all of his chicken friends over for a slumber party and the tranquility and order of the house is shattered. Badger loses his temper and kicks everyone out-skunks and chickens alike. Finally Badger has his peaceful home back again, but is he ready to return to cold cereal every morning?
Timberlake introduces the new odd couple of children's literature in the tradition of George and Martha, Frog and Toad, and Toot and Puddle. Skunk and Badger seem to have nothing in common, yet are made stronger and better by their new relationship and seem to balance each other out in the best possible way. This sweet story is reminiscent of nostalgic tales of yesteryear, such as Winnie the Pooh and has a decidedly British sensibility, though the author is from the Midwest. Illustrations, contributed by award winning Jon Klassen, are spot-on and add to the ambiance of the narrative. Readers new to chapter books will enjoy spending time with these reluctant friends and will find humor in their predicaments, especially once the chickens arrive. Chapters are short, yet the vocabulary is not controlled, making it best for readers who are a bit more on the accomplished side. Personally, I will recommend this to families looking for a cozy bedtime read-aloud, where this title will be best served. Parents will enjoy and relate to it as much as their children. It looks as if this is the first in a projected series, so hopefully more installments are on the way.
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