  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 12/01/2018 PreS-Gr 1—Squirrels are the unsung heroes of the forest; by burying piles of acorns that they often never find again, squirrels ensure the germination of oak seedlings. In turn, the oaks provide nourishment and shelter to future generations of squirrels. Simple rhyme explores this process with muted full-page illustrations, done in browns and greens, neatly complementing the text. Emphasizing the long-term interconnection of flora and fauna, the illustrations first depict a squirrel watching a small child finding acorns amid young oak trees and ends with a later generation squirrel watching an old man walking under the now mature trees. Young children familiar with squirrels will benefit from understanding the connection between these common creatures and the habitats in which they frolic. Further parallels between other mutually beneficial relationships found in nature can be introduced by educators after reading with little ones. VERDICT Offering stimulating information on the valuable connection between squirrels and oaks, this book is a useful introduction to early environmental lessons.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, NY - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 12/15/2018 In the autumn, Squirrel finds acorns, “sturdy little oak nut seeds.” She eats some and digs holes in the dirt to bury the rest. Winter brings cold, and snow covers the ground, but Squirrel doesn’t hibernate. Sheltering in a hole in a tree, she occasionally ventures out to search for her hidden stashes of acorns. In spring, she finds a mate, builds a nest, and gives birth to three little squirrels. The next autumn, the cycle starts again, with squirrels burying acorns that grow into oak trees that drop acorns that feed squirrels that bury acorns. . . . An appended section defines terms such as mutualism and offers factoids related to tree squirrels, which fail to recover “approximately 74% of the nuts they bury,” but succeed in planting a great many trees. The attractive illustrations feature soft-edge drawings, varied textures, and muted colors within well-composed scenes. Written in rhythmic, rhyming verse, the verse creates a narrative that will engage children while telling them about the intertwined lives of squirrels and oak trees. A good read-aloud choice for classrooms. - Copyright 2018 Booklist. Loading...
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