As I sit here reviewing this book, I am also looking out my window at a very scruffy squirrel (but one of many) who has contrived to maneuver past my baffle and squirrel-proof feeder, thus allowing him to get... a peanut.
Squirrels are cute, but they are not good at cost-benefit analysis. Also, there is something wrong with my squirrels (and chipmunks) as they have cheerfully eaten daffodil bulbs, hot pepper-laced seed, plants sprayed with hot pepper wax, Sluggo (slug bait), and Liquid Fence in both liquid and granule form. However, I can admire the determination and patience of an artist who puts these furry rats to use. Nancy Rose has created a series of seasonal picture books and now board books, creating miniature sets and props and posing the squirrels by tempting them in with sunflower seeds and peanuts.
This board book has a simple concept theme, counting the various camping items the squirrels (and one chipmunk) use and ending with little thumbnails of the various items. There are little handmade pads and pillows, squirrels rummaging around with a boat and fishing poles on a beach (said beach having a nice scattering of sunflower seeds) and appearing to be building sandcastles. This isn't necessarily a board book that is developmentally correct for the intended infant and toddler audience, but little ones will be delighted with the images of squirrels and this book will charm an older audience with the miniatures and gently humorous poses.
Verdict: An additional, but fun purchase. Older kids may be interested in doing their own photo shoots and editing after looking at some of the cute scenes and one might as well put the preponderance of squirrels to use.
ISBN: 9781523518319; Published May 2023 by Workman; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library
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