  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 06/01/2020 K-Gr 2—Pearl is a young girl who has built three lovely bird feeders in her backyard. As she proudly watches birds come feed from them, she is surprised that none have touched her favorite one—a teacup filled with peanuts. She soon realizes that there is a dastardly squirrel absconding with the food. This discovery begins a test of wills as Pearl uses Rube Goldberg–like ingenuity to build outrageous contraptions to outsmart the wily rodent. Instead of being vanquished, the squirrel excels at climbing higher, and he also walks across tightropes and jumps through nets. When Pearl realizes this ninja-like squirrel is actually a mother taking the peanuts to feed her babies, she feels an affinity towards this creature and that puts them on the same team. Pearl sets about creating even more elaborate bird-feeder contraptions to help these young squirrels become as nimble and speedy as their mother. A squirrel fact page is included at the end of the book. VERDICT A compelling and generous addition to picture book collections that can inspire young naturalists and builders, and create a well of empathy in storytimes.—Amy Nolan, St. Joseph P.L., MI - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 06/01/2020 Pearl is an inventive and caring child who decides to build three bird feeders in her backyard. She carefully constructs a house for one, modifies a cardboard tube for another, and reuses a teacup for the last feeder. But it’s only after Pearl fills her feeders with suet, seeds, and peanuts that the real story begins. A squirrel thinks the nuts are for her, and Pearl tries everything to foil the furry thief. She devises a series of elaborate obstacle courses to prevent the squirrel from stealing the nuts, but the little critter is too smart—and very athletic! Eventually, Pearl discovers the squirrel actually needs the nuts to feed her family, turning the girl and squirrel’s contentious relationship to one of friendship. Any animal-lover will enjoy this creative, STEM-powered book and appreciate its appended “Squirrelly Facts.” For instance, did you know a group of squirrels is called a scurry? Dynamic illustrations capture the ingenuity of Pearl’s complex designs and the playfulness of the squirrel to deliver a story kids will go nuts for. - Copyright 2020 Booklist. Loading...
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