The Squirrels who Squabbled

The Squirrels who Squabbled by Rachel Bright
Illustrated by Jim Field
Published by Hachette Australia/Orchard Books
Date: 12 September 2017
R.R.P: $24.99

One thing I am learning about Rachel Bright and Jim Field is that they write and illustrate awesome books that are funny, with a captivating message on the side.  The Squirrels Who Squabbled  is a beautiful story of friendship and working together, but to get there laughter is ensured.

I really try not to be influenced by a cover but this one grabbed my attention straight away. Everything about the cover – the title, the bright blue background and two grumpy squirrels made me want to open the book.  When I did I wasn’t disappointed, and I was instantly engaged with beautiful illustrations that are quite different to anything else I have seen recently.

It is a story about one little pine-cone that causes such mayhem and madness, when two little squirrels (Cyril and ‘Plan-Ahead Bruce’) go bonkers just to get it and all its yummy seeds.  As they chase the pine-cone through the woods and declare that “It’s Mine”, the pine-cone Boinged and Binged, and came to a STOP. It is at this point that Cyril and Bruce learn about what friendship is and that some of the best things we do in life are done together.

As I mentioned above the illustrations are something special. On one page where the squirrels are running, the artist has has wonderfully depicted the background as swooshing past and it is so well done. Each page is a thing of beauty and fun, with so much to look at. These illustrations are perfect for looking through without using the words from the story, they create opportunities for conversation and discovery with your child.

This is an ideal book for a storytime group. The rhyming words help it flow beautifully and I know there will be laughter and I plan on sharing this one soon with my next preschool session. Books like this are to be treasured and a must have in your collection and it is bound to be a daily favourite.

Thank you to Hachette Australia and Orchard Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.