The Squirrels Who Squabbled

PreS-Gr 2–In this seasonal rhyming book, readers are introduced to two frenzied but vastly different squirrels, “Spontaneous Cyril” and “Plan Ahead Bruce,” who both have their eye on the last pine cone of fall. Cyril has stored nothing for the winter as he has spent the year partying. By contrast, Bruce has a gigantic cache of food but believes that he needs just one more pine cone. As these two race for the prize, the pine cone ricochets through the forest, eventually falling off a huge cliff into the river, where a bird grabs it. The two squirrels tumble down a waterfall, with Cyril dragging Bruce to safety once they surface in the river below. Bruce starts laughing over their ridiculous antics, and both realize that “the BEST thing to share is a laugh with your friend.” This is the third rhyming book from the talented author/illustrator duo. The rhymes and the artwork are perfectly paired. Clever prose propels the story and is delightful to read aloud. The autumnal palette captures the beauty of the woods, as well as the squirrels’ zany activities.