Ol’ Mama Squirrel
by David Ezra Stein
What it's all about . . .
Ol’ Mama Squirrel has raised lots of babies, and she knows just how to protect them. With a stern, “Chook, chook, chook!” she manages to keep intruders of all kinds out of her tree and away from her brood. But when a great, growling grizzly comes sniffing around, Ol’ Mama calls in reinforcements.
Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
We love that the only “sap” in this entertaining take on a tale of parental devotion is in Ol’ Mama Squirrel’s tree. Without any of the usual clichés, Stein’s tiny but formidable heroine proves there’s nothing stronger than a Mama’s love for her babies.
Our favorite lines . . .
“Mama Squirrel did not limit herself to known predators. She scolded kites… chook chook chook! And airplanes… chook chook chook! She even scolded the man who came to prune the tree. Chook chook chook!”
Our favorite illustration . . .
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| Ol Mama Squirrel Copyright © 2013 by David Ezra Stein. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Young Readers Group, New York, NY |
Why kids will love it . . .
Stein has a gift for creating totally expressive characters with a few brilliant brushstrokes. No doubt, kids will cheer and giggle as Ol’ Mama Squirrel scowls and chook-chook-chooks unwanted guests out of her tree.
Why grown-ups will love it . . .
Parents are sure to recognize and appreciate scrappy Mama Squirrel’s tenacity in protecting her babies. Plus, Stein’s pitch-perfect pacing and rousing refrains make for a lively read-aloud.
And there's a giveaway!
Add a comment or tell us what other books featuring squirrels you’ve enjoyed. We’ll choose one comment at random to receive a copy of Ol’ Mama Squirrel courtesy of our friends at Barrington Books! Giveaway winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 1st.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER: JDSPERO!
