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Scaredy Squirrel #1
Wiewiór Wystraszny
Wiewiór Wystraszny nie lubi niespodzianek, boi się bakterii, kosmitów, rekinów i w ogóle wszystkiego tego, co zamieszkuje Nieznane. A Nieznane jest wszystko, poza bezpiecznym drzewem, gdzie rytm dnia wyznaczają kolejne posiłki i baczne wypatrywanie, czy aby nie zbliża się jakieś zagrożenie.
Autorka książeczki twierdzi, że Wiewiór pomógł jej wygrać z lękami, niepewnością i obawami przed tym, co nieznane. Czy pomoże też polskim małym czytelnikom?
Do książeczki dołączona jest mapa, z którą można wyruszyć w podróż i osobiście sprawdzić, czy Nieznane jest aż takie groźne.
Autorka książeczki twierdzi, że Wiewiór pomógł jej wygrać z lękami, niepewnością i obawami przed tym, co nieznane. Czy pomoże też polskim małym czytelnikom?
Do książeczki dołączona jest mapa, z którą można wyruszyć w podróż i osobiście sprawdzić, czy Nieznane jest aż takie groźne.
42 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2006
About the author
Mélanie Watt
41 books283 followersIt was in a design class taught by Michèle Lemieux at the University of Quebec in Montreal that author and illustrator Mélanie Watt created her first picture book, Leon the Chameleon, which was later published by Kids Can Press. Watt went on to create several more books, including the Learning with Animals collection and Augustine, which was named an ALA Notable Children's Book. Watt has also illustrated Where Does a Tiger-Heron Spend the Night? and Bearcub and Mama, which won the 2006 IRA Teachers' Choices Project.
Mélanie's best known book Scaredy Squirrel, has won many awards including the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award for Children's Picture Book and the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award. The release of Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend, was met with enthusiastic reviews and incredible sales, confirming the arrival of kid lit's newest superstar.
Chester,Chester's Back! and Chester's Masterpiece are about a megalomaniac cat who is every bit the antithesis to Scaredy. Chester has already become a bestseller and shows the breadth and creativity of Mélanie Watt.
Scaredy returns to take a few more tentative steps out of his comfort zone in Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach and Scaredy Squirrel at Night. Mélanie has often noted how the Scaredy Squirrel books helped her work out her own insecurities and fears, as the success of these titles has required her to venture out into the unknown, and like Scaredy she has found the experience truly uplifting.
Mélanie currently resides near Montreal, Quebec.
~From http://www.kidscanpress.com/creators/...
Mélanie's best known book Scaredy Squirrel, has won many awards including the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award for Children's Picture Book and the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award. The release of Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend, was met with enthusiastic reviews and incredible sales, confirming the arrival of kid lit's newest superstar.
Chester,Chester's Back! and Chester's Masterpiece are about a megalomaniac cat who is every bit the antithesis to Scaredy. Chester has already become a bestseller and shows the breadth and creativity of Mélanie Watt.
Scaredy returns to take a few more tentative steps out of his comfort zone in Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach and Scaredy Squirrel at Night. Mélanie has often noted how the Scaredy Squirrel books helped her work out her own insecurities and fears, as the success of these titles has required her to venture out into the unknown, and like Scaredy she has found the experience truly uplifting.
Mélanie currently resides near Montreal, Quebec.
~From http://www.kidscanpress.com/creators/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 883 reviews
December 6, 2017
Awesome children's series!
This is a great book for both big and little children. (That includes adults too!) Scaredy Squirrel, in a magical way, learns a very important lesson in life. The illustrations are whimsical ! This book is the first in a series so be sure to check out the others also. You won't be disappointed! 😉📘
This is a great book for both big and little children. (That includes adults too!) Scaredy Squirrel, in a magical way, learns a very important lesson in life. The illustrations are whimsical ! This book is the first in a series so be sure to check out the others also. You won't be disappointed! 😉📘
September 4, 2011
I stole this style of review from Heather's (well, Heather's daughter's) fantastic review of Ladybug Girl at the Beach. Her review is a lot more... focused.
Interviewer/ Dad: What did you think about Scaredy Squirrel?
Eleanor: I thought it was good.
Gwennie: Scardey Squirrel's about scarey.
Dad: Ellie, why did you like it?
Eleanor: Because I wanted to. Why are you typing that?
Dad: Gwennie, did you like Scaredy Squirrel?
Gwennie: Yeah.
Dad: Why?
Gwennie: Because Scaredy is scarey scarey...
Dad: What happened in Scaredy Squirrel?
Eleanor: He was afraid. That's what happened.
Dad: Afraid of what?
E: Afraid of KILLER BEES!!! What else was he afraid of Dad?
D: Well, was he afraid of ice cream?
E: heh heh heh NOOOOOoooo... Was he afraid of ice cream dad? Yes or no.
D: No.
E: What was he afraid of?
D: You tell me what he was afraid of.
E: He was afraid of killer beeeeees, taRANtulas, germs, sharks, poison ivy. That's what he was afraid of. Where's Gwennie?
D: Gwennie left the interview.
E: GWENNIE! COME BACK TO THE INTERVIEW!!! Did you get the bank? Can I have it? Can I put in the money?
G: My turn!
E: I wanna put it like this!
G: No, no, don't push me.
E: My tuuuuurrn.
D: Hey guys, can we get back to the interview?
G: I wanna go downstairs.
E: Gwennie, can I have more money?
G: Yeah, you can have more money.
E: Can I have a lot of money?... ... Is Gwennie not at the interview? ... What's a view?
D. An INTERview is where someone asks you a lot of questions about something. Like, I'm asking you a lot of questions about Scaredy Squirrel.
D: Do you want to say anything else about Scaredy Squirrel?
E: Yeah. I wanna say that he's afraid.
D: You already said that.
E: Uhhh... HEEEeee... uhhh... is Scaredy Squirrel afraid of money?
D: Uhhh... I don't know.
E: He is afraid of money.
Interviewer/ Dad: What did you think about Scaredy Squirrel?
Eleanor: I thought it was good.
Gwennie: Scardey Squirrel's about scarey.
Dad: Ellie, why did you like it?
Eleanor: Because I wanted to. Why are you typing that?
Dad: Gwennie, did you like Scaredy Squirrel?
Gwennie: Yeah.
Dad: Why?
Gwennie: Because Scaredy is scarey scarey...
Dad: What happened in Scaredy Squirrel?
Eleanor: He was afraid. That's what happened.
Dad: Afraid of what?
E: Afraid of KILLER BEES!!! What else was he afraid of Dad?
D: Well, was he afraid of ice cream?
E: heh heh heh NOOOOOoooo... Was he afraid of ice cream dad? Yes or no.
D: No.
E: What was he afraid of?
D: You tell me what he was afraid of.
E: He was afraid of killer beeeeees, taRANtulas, germs, sharks, poison ivy. That's what he was afraid of. Where's Gwennie?
D: Gwennie left the interview.
E: GWENNIE! COME BACK TO THE INTERVIEW!!! Did you get the bank? Can I have it? Can I put in the money?
G: My turn!
E: I wanna put it like this!
G: No, no, don't push me.
E: My tuuuuurrn.
D: Hey guys, can we get back to the interview?
G: I wanna go downstairs.
E: Gwennie, can I have more money?
G: Yeah, you can have more money.
E: Can I have a lot of money?... ... Is Gwennie not at the interview? ... What's a view?
D. An INTERview is where someone asks you a lot of questions about something. Like, I'm asking you a lot of questions about Scaredy Squirrel.
D: Do you want to say anything else about Scaredy Squirrel?
E: Yeah. I wanna say that he's afraid.
D: You already said that.
E: Uhhh... HEEEeee... uhhh... is Scaredy Squirrel afraid of money?
D: Uhhh... I don't know.
E: He is afraid of money.
June 10, 2020
Very funny, cute little squirrel! Great lesson for kids!
January 13, 2015
I think the layout was so cute and organized! And the "warning" at the beginning of the book: "Scaredy Squirrel insists that everyone wash their hands with antibacterial soap before reading this book" was so funny!
April 19, 2020
maybe i am scaredy squirrel
August 28, 2009
This is adorable. I think young kids will get the gist but it helps to be older to understand all the inside information. This is one of those picture books (such as Oh, the Places You'll Go! ) that can make a great gift for adults.
I loved the smiling bees, although I’m not sure I’m particularly fond of the pictures, as I was in Watt’s Chester books. I’m afraid of bees. (Mélanie Watt is afraid of sharks.) Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of a lot of things, including some things that are outlandish (for a squirrel) so that this is a very amusing book. I also appreciated how the end isn’t “unrealistic” and doesn’t deviate from the rest of the book’s story.
I think I’ll read the other Scaredy Squirrel books and all/most of this author/illustrator’s books.
There’s a very cute very short author bio and self portrait in the back inside cover of the book.
I loved the smiling bees, although I’m not sure I’m particularly fond of the pictures, as I was in Watt’s Chester books. I’m afraid of bees. (Mélanie Watt is afraid of sharks.) Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of a lot of things, including some things that are outlandish (for a squirrel) so that this is a very amusing book. I also appreciated how the end isn’t “unrealistic” and doesn’t deviate from the rest of the book’s story.
I think I’ll read the other Scaredy Squirrel books and all/most of this author/illustrator’s books.
There’s a very cute very short author bio and self portrait in the back inside cover of the book.
September 8, 2009
Haha! SO amusing! I know the feeling; some days you just want to stay safe and sound in your tree--er, your home--and not worry about all the nasty things out there in the world. But, then, things would get a bit boring if you did that every day! This is the tale of how Scaredy Squirrel gets tired of his life of eating nuts and looking at the view from his tree, has a surprising adventure (will he even have to use his emergency kit?) and discovers that he may just have to vary his routine in the future! :-)
May 25, 2011
My almost 2 yr old daughter and I read this one together. She enjoyed it as much as I did for different reasons. She is too young to really get the story, but she definitely enjoyed the illustrations. I loved Scaredy's cheesy smile! The layout of the book made it even more fun to read. I will revisit this humorous tale when she is older and would get the message about conquering your fears. I look forward to reading more Scaredy books.
August 20, 2022
I'm often timid, anxious, and fretful, but not clinically phobic. I love this book and find it inspiring. The advice is to just add one adventure to my life, take one risk at a time; maybe I'll discover that I can 'fly' too.
December 7, 2018
The unknown can be a scary place for a squirrel," but the hero of Mélanie Watt's hilarious Scaredy Squirrel thinks he has it all under control. Unwilling to risk running into: green Martians, killer bees, tarantulas, poison ivy, germs, or sharks, he never leaves his tree, keeping to the same schedule every day. In the unlikely event that he is forced to evacuate, he has a contingency plan that is full-proof. Or is it...?
With engaging text and simple but appealing charcoal and acrylic illustrations, this little picture-book offers a humorous depiction of the coping strategies that timid young creatures (squirrel or otherwise) might use when faced with the unknown and unexpected. The dénouement - in which Scaredy Squirrel finally does leave his tree - captures the idea that while new experiences can broaden our horizons, they rarely change who we are at heart. An excellent beginning to Watt's series - I look forward to the next one!
With engaging text and simple but appealing charcoal and acrylic illustrations, this little picture-book offers a humorous depiction of the coping strategies that timid young creatures (squirrel or otherwise) might use when faced with the unknown and unexpected. The dénouement - in which Scaredy Squirrel finally does leave his tree - captures the idea that while new experiences can broaden our horizons, they rarely change who we are at heart. An excellent beginning to Watt's series - I look forward to the next one!
June 11, 2020
This was the first of Melanie Watt's book to be read in our grandma reads session.
Only one had previously been introduced to this book, and just about busted open to spill the secret, but points to him, he withheld and the surprise was sprung as the author intended. A great book for littles (under 8), and great for having the tables turn in a 1-on-1 and having the kid-listener re-read back to the storytelling-reader, for practice and bonding.
Scaredy has a lot of concerns about controlling his life and the aspects of what/how/when things happen. But his biggest concern is about where. . . .and he has a very hard time trusting that good things are going to happen anywhere but his own familiar home and so far nothing has convinced him that a trip in to the great "unknown" is worth the risk. This short story does just that, and in the process Scaredy finds out a key, elemental truth about himself he never would have discovered at home.
The kids loved it.
Only one had previously been introduced to this book, and just about busted open to spill the secret, but points to him, he withheld and the surprise was sprung as the author intended. A great book for littles (under 8), and great for having the tables turn in a 1-on-1 and having the kid-listener re-read back to the storytelling-reader, for practice and bonding.
Scaredy has a lot of concerns about controlling his life and the aspects of what/how/when things happen. But his biggest concern is about where. . . .and he has a very hard time trusting that good things are going to happen anywhere but his own familiar home and so far nothing has convinced him that a trip in to the great "unknown" is worth the risk. This short story does just that, and in the process Scaredy finds out a key, elemental truth about himself he never would have discovered at home.
The kids loved it.
April 25, 2019
I was hoping I'd enjoy this, but unfortunately it's kind of problematic. Even the title is insulting.
Scaredy Squirrel has a lot of phobias. He reads like someone with anxiety or OCD. He's agoraphobic. He's constantly worrying about things that aren't likely to happen (like getting attacked by a shark). For all of this, he's slapped with the epithet "Scaredy". Now, I don't know about you, but that's bordering on offensive name-calling. Would it be okay to name a character with cerebral palsy Spastic Squirrel? No? Then why is it okay to mock this particular character's disability?
This isn't even a book about overcoming your fears. When Scaredy Squirrel finally "ventures" from his tree, it's not because he's decided to take a risk. He's making a mad grab for his emergency kit, and he falls from his tree. That's right. The main plot point about overcoming your fears is actually based around an accident.
I'm more sensitive to this sort of thing because of my own anxiety and phobias, so your mileage may vary. But, speaking as someone who can relate to many of Scaredy Squirrel's issues, I'm not amused to see something so difficult to deal with so cavalierly treated. Humans can't overcome their anxiety by figuring out they can fly. All this book seems to do is mock the squirrel for being silly about his irrational fears, and then present an unrealistic solution (unrealistic for the humans who might be reading the book, anyway) to the anxiety issue.
Scaredy Squirrel has a lot of phobias. He reads like someone with anxiety or OCD. He's agoraphobic. He's constantly worrying about things that aren't likely to happen (like getting attacked by a shark). For all of this, he's slapped with the epithet "Scaredy". Now, I don't know about you, but that's bordering on offensive name-calling. Would it be okay to name a character with cerebral palsy Spastic Squirrel? No? Then why is it okay to mock this particular character's disability?
This isn't even a book about overcoming your fears. When Scaredy Squirrel finally "ventures" from his tree, it's not because he's decided to take a risk. He's making a mad grab for his emergency kit, and he falls from his tree. That's right. The main plot point about overcoming your fears is actually based around an accident.
I'm more sensitive to this sort of thing because of my own anxiety and phobias, so your mileage may vary. But, speaking as someone who can relate to many of Scaredy Squirrel's issues, I'm not amused to see something so difficult to deal with so cavalierly treated. Humans can't overcome their anxiety by figuring out they can fly. All this book seems to do is mock the squirrel for being silly about his irrational fears, and then present an unrealistic solution (unrealistic for the humans who might be reading the book, anyway) to the anxiety issue.
June 15, 2011
Scaredy Squirrel is awesome! Scaredy Squirrel is also: predictable, prepared, organized, vigilant, adventurous, and unpredictable. By extension, Mélanie Watt must also be: predictable, prepared, organized, vigilant, adventurous, unpredictable and, most definitely, awesome!
I love that Scaredy Squirrel makes lists and tries his utmost to be prepared for the things that scare him. I also love how he responds when his life becomes a bit topsy-turvy!
Thanks so much to my GR friend Lisa for recommending Scaredy Squirrel to me! Scaredy Squirrel will fit in perfectly in a family storytime I'm going to be doing later this summer. I'm certain that he will be a huge hit!
I love that Scaredy Squirrel makes lists and tries his utmost to be prepared for the things that scare him. I also love how he responds when his life becomes a bit topsy-turvy!
Thanks so much to my GR friend Lisa for recommending Scaredy Squirrel to me! Scaredy Squirrel will fit in perfectly in a family storytime I'm going to be doing later this summer. I'm certain that he will be a huge hit!
June 26, 2017
Here come the most prepared, or even most, overly prepared squirrel ever. With every contingency mapped and thought out a head of time, this squirrel plans to leave its tree. Humorous and cute and very enjoyable little book.
September 19, 2020
I am the fat middle aged human version of Scaredy Squirrel.
February 22, 2021
Loved the collective nouns used in the book , comprehensible for kids !
April 19, 2024
Read the book to my students as part of our time Unit. We were able to find the elapsed time between some of his activities during his daily routine. Cute and funny read!
July 24, 2017
Fun book that tackles the issue of anxiety in a child appropriate way. Scaredy squirrel is anxious about life outside his tree. He does the same things at the same times (book also helps teach time), eats the same things, and is scared of anything new. Until one day.....scaredy squirrel learns that he can have a great adventure by breaking his routine...a little bit. Cute story.
September 26, 2009
The Turkeybird Speaks(My 3 year old son's POV): "This book is one of those that I just can't put down. My favorite is when my dad reads it, 'wake up, eat a nut, look at a view, eat a nut...', he just does such a good job! Scaredy Squirrel is one of those characters you love instantly, I mean, he's really a flying squirrel! He can fly! How cool is that? And he's afraid of bee's and I am not a fan at all. I once had one sting me and my thumb swelled up like a balloon! So of course you want to stay away from those terrible bugs!
"My favorite part though has to be his emergency kit! He has everything you could ever need in there to keep away all the scary things you might encounter! Although I'm still not quite sure why he's afraid of sharks? I LOVE sharks! But my mom doesn't, so maybe it's an adult thing??? Anyway, the emergency kit! My mom and I even drew one up together. They have one you can print off on the website for the book and it is incredible! You have to try it out! Of course we included band-aids, just like squirrel, because they are my favorite thing to stick to my body (even if I don't have a 'good' reason for it, as my mom would say)!
"This is a definite must read with any guy or girl you know! Pick it up and enjoy Scaredy Squirrel's funny adventure!"
Mom's Two Cents: "The Turkeybird is right, this is one funny book! It was actually awarded the ALA's award for most Notable Children's Book in 2007 and I completely agree. My husband, The Baker, reads to The Turkeybird every night before bed as there time together the rest of the day is limited and this is something they love to do together. Well, at least every other night he asks for this book. I love to hear him chuckle in the other room as he see's Scaredy Squirrel fall from the tree to discover he can fly and that the world outside his tree isn't really as bad as he first thought.
"One of the funniest things about the book is all the crazy things Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of. I love it! Martians, killer bees, tarantulas, poison ivy, germs and sharks. Now, I do have to say, I'm not a fan of sharks, never have been, but Martians? Hilarious! But the truly great thing about it is, I know we all know a little boy or girl who is terrified of something so completely random and impossible that they will never truly be hurt by it, but that doesn't mean they can't fear it. The author mentioned this in her discussion of the book:
From the author: "Mélanie has often noted how the Scaredy Squirrel books helped her work out her own insecurities and fears, as the success of these titles has required her to venture out into the unknown, and like Scaredy she has found the experience truly uplifting."
"In reality, though this book is funny and entertaining it teaches a wonderful lesson to children of all ages. When we stay in our shells, be it our homes or a safe place (a job, a city, a rut, anything), we could be missing out on all the world has to offer us. In Scaredy Squirrel's case it was knowing he could fly and see more of the world around him. Granted he still has some other fears to overcome, but it's all about taking things one step at a time. And who couldn't use that?"
The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 3 and up. For kids (and adults) who may be frightened to step outside of their front door (or even their comfort zone).
Make sure to visit the publishers website for some fun activities too!
"My favorite part though has to be his emergency kit! He has everything you could ever need in there to keep away all the scary things you might encounter! Although I'm still not quite sure why he's afraid of sharks? I LOVE sharks! But my mom doesn't, so maybe it's an adult thing??? Anyway, the emergency kit! My mom and I even drew one up together. They have one you can print off on the website for the book and it is incredible! You have to try it out! Of course we included band-aids, just like squirrel, because they are my favorite thing to stick to my body (even if I don't have a 'good' reason for it, as my mom would say)!
"This is a definite must read with any guy or girl you know! Pick it up and enjoy Scaredy Squirrel's funny adventure!"
Mom's Two Cents: "The Turkeybird is right, this is one funny book! It was actually awarded the ALA's award for most Notable Children's Book in 2007 and I completely agree. My husband, The Baker, reads to The Turkeybird every night before bed as there time together the rest of the day is limited and this is something they love to do together. Well, at least every other night he asks for this book. I love to hear him chuckle in the other room as he see's Scaredy Squirrel fall from the tree to discover he can fly and that the world outside his tree isn't really as bad as he first thought.
"One of the funniest things about the book is all the crazy things Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of. I love it! Martians, killer bees, tarantulas, poison ivy, germs and sharks. Now, I do have to say, I'm not a fan of sharks, never have been, but Martians? Hilarious! But the truly great thing about it is, I know we all know a little boy or girl who is terrified of something so completely random and impossible that they will never truly be hurt by it, but that doesn't mean they can't fear it. The author mentioned this in her discussion of the book:
From the author: "Mélanie has often noted how the Scaredy Squirrel books helped her work out her own insecurities and fears, as the success of these titles has required her to venture out into the unknown, and like Scaredy she has found the experience truly uplifting."
"In reality, though this book is funny and entertaining it teaches a wonderful lesson to children of all ages. When we stay in our shells, be it our homes or a safe place (a job, a city, a rut, anything), we could be missing out on all the world has to offer us. In Scaredy Squirrel's case it was knowing he could fly and see more of the world around him. Granted he still has some other fears to overcome, but it's all about taking things one step at a time. And who couldn't use that?"
The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 3 and up. For kids (and adults) who may be frightened to step outside of their front door (or even their comfort zone).
Make sure to visit the publishers website for some fun activities too!
October 1, 2012
Scaredy Squirrel is a beautifully written witty book about courage and knowing our fears.
The book is about a nervous squirrel who never ever leaves the safety of his little nut tree in to the dangerous realms of The Unknown! He is scared of many things, including germs, and indeed instructs us to wash our hands with antibacterial soap before reading any further! Scaredy Squirrel is scared of: green Martians, killer bees, tarantulas, poison ivy and sharks. Of course none of these creatures are in his little, safe nut tree but it does mean he only gets to see and do the same old things every day. However, if anything unusual did happen, do not worry; Scaredy Squirrel has his trusty emergency kit and plans for every eventuality… which mainly end in playing dead. One day something happens, something he did not plan for! A killer bee arrives in our poor Scaredy Squirrels tree and he knocks his emergency kit straight out of the tree! Scaredy Squirrel jumps without thinking, to catch his kit and then something incredible happens! Scaredy Squirrel begins to glide, after all this time, he has finally found out he is a flying squirrel. If he had never jumped out of the tree, into The Unknown, he would never have known. This flying squirrel discovers he loves flying and forgets all about the killer bee in his home and all the other things of which he is afraid. Finally he lands in a bush and plays dead for two whole hours and then when he is quite content that nothing terrible is happening, returns to his nice, safe tree. His experience has inspired him and now every day although he is still quite a nervous little squirrel, he jumps into The Unknown every single day and he forget all about his emergency kit.
I think this book is fantastic in so many ways. The tale in itself is so appropriate to modern life for children in which they may be worried about many things. This story shows us it is ok to worry sometimes but if you are too scared it may stop you experiencing some wonderful things. You may never learn the best things about yourself! We all need to push ourselves sometimes in life and this book illustrates that in the most lovely and understandable way. Whilst I would say this book is aimed at the 4-9 age group I honestly think it would be enjoyed by a whole range of children and adults. The themes in it can be discussed deeply or it can be taken for the lovely story with exciting pictures that it is. I also think it is particularly useful that the book contains a very well written foreword and an end note about the author. This makes it useful in class for exploration around the structure of books.
This book could also be used in PSHE classes to discuss situations in which we have achieved something which was initially for us or things we might want to try in future.
The illustrations in this book are fantastic, although quite simple there are many things to look at and I believe this is a book pupil and teacher alike will want to look at time and time again!
So remember everyone- you might just be able to fly if you jump out into The Unknown one day!
The book is about a nervous squirrel who never ever leaves the safety of his little nut tree in to the dangerous realms of The Unknown! He is scared of many things, including germs, and indeed instructs us to wash our hands with antibacterial soap before reading any further! Scaredy Squirrel is scared of: green Martians, killer bees, tarantulas, poison ivy and sharks. Of course none of these creatures are in his little, safe nut tree but it does mean he only gets to see and do the same old things every day. However, if anything unusual did happen, do not worry; Scaredy Squirrel has his trusty emergency kit and plans for every eventuality… which mainly end in playing dead. One day something happens, something he did not plan for! A killer bee arrives in our poor Scaredy Squirrels tree and he knocks his emergency kit straight out of the tree! Scaredy Squirrel jumps without thinking, to catch his kit and then something incredible happens! Scaredy Squirrel begins to glide, after all this time, he has finally found out he is a flying squirrel. If he had never jumped out of the tree, into The Unknown, he would never have known. This flying squirrel discovers he loves flying and forgets all about the killer bee in his home and all the other things of which he is afraid. Finally he lands in a bush and plays dead for two whole hours and then when he is quite content that nothing terrible is happening, returns to his nice, safe tree. His experience has inspired him and now every day although he is still quite a nervous little squirrel, he jumps into The Unknown every single day and he forget all about his emergency kit.
I think this book is fantastic in so many ways. The tale in itself is so appropriate to modern life for children in which they may be worried about many things. This story shows us it is ok to worry sometimes but if you are too scared it may stop you experiencing some wonderful things. You may never learn the best things about yourself! We all need to push ourselves sometimes in life and this book illustrates that in the most lovely and understandable way. Whilst I would say this book is aimed at the 4-9 age group I honestly think it would be enjoyed by a whole range of children and adults. The themes in it can be discussed deeply or it can be taken for the lovely story with exciting pictures that it is. I also think it is particularly useful that the book contains a very well written foreword and an end note about the author. This makes it useful in class for exploration around the structure of books.
This book could also be used in PSHE classes to discuss situations in which we have achieved something which was initially for us or things we might want to try in future.
The illustrations in this book are fantastic, although quite simple there are many things to look at and I believe this is a book pupil and teacher alike will want to look at time and time again!
So remember everyone- you might just be able to fly if you jump out into The Unknown one day!
February 21, 2009
2010 Monarch Award master list
`From the flap copy: ‘Here’s the story, in a nutshell: I never leave my nut tree. It’s way too dangerous out there. I could encounter germs, poison ivy or sharks. If danger comes along, I’m prepared. I have antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute. But things really get shaken up later in the book when I’m forced out of my tree by a vicious intruder! Will I survive this ordeal? Will I undergo a life-changing experience? Will I discover my true inner self?’ No spoilers here, you’ll have to read the book to find out!
I liked squirrels a lot better when I first saw this book; that was before I had to spend $300 to have a nest of squirrels relocated from my attic. But Scaredy is a charmer, from the cover illustration where he’s gamely gritting his teeth to his graphs & lists & comparison charts, such as the Advantages of Never Leaving the Nut Tree (9 items), which clearly wins out over the Disadvantages (3 items). Kids will have fun telling their own stories using the book as a writing model. They may also remember other favorite worrywarts from children’s books, such as Kevin Henkes’ Wemberly Worried, a favorite of mine.
To my amazement, I have a real-world connection to this book after scanning the book reviews. Publishers Weekly said, “It’s an indication of how well Watt…knows her helicopter-parented audience that she’s able to turn the phrase ‘antibacterial soap’ into a bona fide punchline.” Thanks, Pat!
`From the flap copy: ‘Here’s the story, in a nutshell: I never leave my nut tree. It’s way too dangerous out there. I could encounter germs, poison ivy or sharks. If danger comes along, I’m prepared. I have antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute. But things really get shaken up later in the book when I’m forced out of my tree by a vicious intruder! Will I survive this ordeal? Will I undergo a life-changing experience? Will I discover my true inner self?’ No spoilers here, you’ll have to read the book to find out!
I liked squirrels a lot better when I first saw this book; that was before I had to spend $300 to have a nest of squirrels relocated from my attic. But Scaredy is a charmer, from the cover illustration where he’s gamely gritting his teeth to his graphs & lists & comparison charts, such as the Advantages of Never Leaving the Nut Tree (9 items), which clearly wins out over the Disadvantages (3 items). Kids will have fun telling their own stories using the book as a writing model. They may also remember other favorite worrywarts from children’s books, such as Kevin Henkes’ Wemberly Worried, a favorite of mine.
To my amazement, I have a real-world connection to this book after scanning the book reviews. Publishers Weekly said, “It’s an indication of how well Watt…knows her helicopter-parented audience that she’s able to turn the phrase ‘antibacterial soap’ into a bona fide punchline.” Thanks, Pat!
November 5, 2015
A highly relatable story about fear and the hold it can have on you. A good book to read with the timid. BUT it's also a good book for those who live with those who are anxious. I see a lot more to this book than what's originally intended for the younger audience. Living with anxiety I relate to the need for routine and sameness, and also the frustration of being trapped in that loop. It will be interesting to see what else the series has to offer.
March 28, 2014
Squirrel's cute but boring. Made me need to take a nap while he unintentionally ventured out of his tree, breaking up his regular schedule of doing nothing but eating and sleeping and looking at the view from his tree. That's all he did. Fall out of the tree and then climb back in it. Yawn.
February 28, 2012
My Kindergarten class looooves Scaredy Squirrel now. So much fun to read with them!
January 5, 2018
A very cute start to the series.
August 30, 2022
I'm not trying to be dramatic here, but I'd die for Scaredy Squirrel.
September 9, 2021
Hilarious book about being overly anxious. Teaches that sometimes we need to be brave and face our fears.
April 5, 2015
Cute, funny, quirky. A great read for kiddos.
April 16, 2017
Text: 5 stars
Illustrations: 5 stars
Brilliant picture book about a squirrel who feels fearful and anxious towards life, so he copes by trying to control every single possibility. But when an unexpected situation arises, he learns that he has a more adventurous spirit then he realized, and his body is equipped for it as well.
The book is full of Scaredy Squirrel's lists, checklists, diagrams, schedules, maps, plans, and instructions. Simple iconic illustrations complement the text perfectly.
Illustrations: 5 stars
Brilliant picture book about a squirrel who feels fearful and anxious towards life, so he copes by trying to control every single possibility. But when an unexpected situation arises, he learns that he has a more adventurous spirit then he realized, and his body is equipped for it as well.
The book is full of Scaredy Squirrel's lists, checklists, diagrams, schedules, maps, plans, and instructions. Simple iconic illustrations complement the text perfectly.
June 30, 2021
wow, the spread in the middle was so random, unexpected but i loved it! as someone who thrives on a schedule and likes being in control, i relate to squirrel so much. i felt seen!
i'm a huge fan of the illustrations. we get a variety of squirrel doing so many things. i was NEVER bored! i loved pages 27-30 -> the close-up i never asked for but i never knew i needed.
i'm a huge fan of the illustrations. we get a variety of squirrel doing so many things. i was NEVER bored! i loved pages 27-30 -> the close-up i never asked for but i never knew i needed.
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