Read, Read, Read, said the Baby: Oakley the Squirrel: the search for Z. A nutty alphabet book by Nancy Rose

 I have temporarily set aside my enmity with the plethora of local squirrels to do battle with the chipmunks. They are adorable, but when they reproduce they are EVERYWHERE. I currently have 5 little rodents zipping across my tiny garden like ping-pong balls, giving me dirty looks when I squirt them with the water pistol, digging holes, and devouring all deterrents (they especially like pepper-flavored plants). So this seemed like a good time to reconcile with the squirrels and review Nancy Rose's latest miniature masterpiece.

Rose has been delighting readers for quite a few years with her exquisitely crafted and photographed scenes of squirrels in miniature settings. Now she's going even smaller, taking her picture book format down to board books and the inevitable alphabet book.

The new hero is Oakley, although it's not clear if this is just one squirrel taken at multiple different times of year (in one picture they are clearly molting) or a series of squirrels. The smaller ears and lack of ear-tufts make me think this is a juvenile red squirrel (or succession of same). Rose's real genius lies in the creation of her miniature landscapes and the patience to wait for just the perfect pose.

Oakley is shown in an alphabetical adventure, searching for the letter Z in 26 different scenes, from "Foraging in the fireplace" (which turns out to be "fruitless) to perching on a toy tractor and scaling a small twig swingset. There are tiny polymer clay foods, mini umbrellas and shoes, and even tiny sweaters hung next to a squirrel-sized washing machine and ironing board.

Oakley finishes the day unsuccessful in finding the Z - except in his dreams. The tiny details of the intricate photographs are not really aimed at the typical audience for a board book - babies and toddlers - who are unlikely to be able to distinguish the details, although they will enjoy finding the squirrel in each picture. However, older children (and adults) will be endlessly entertained by Oakley's antics and possibly even inspired to a little creation of their own by Rose's delightful miniatures.

Verdict: This is the best kind of novelty book, sure to attract readers of a variety of ages despite its board book format, and just right for making childhood memories.

ISBN: 9781523510412; Published June 2021 by Workman; Purchased for the library; Review copy provided by the publisher.