May 13, 2013
Why go camping when you can watch itâThe Joy of Camping, that isâon television? That's the plan for Scaredy Squirrel, who recognizes that such dangers as penguins, quicksand, mosquitoes, and zippers make camping excursions way too scary. But finding a power outlet for his television requires leaving his tree house and, therefore, some careful planning. Scaredy charts out the survival supplies required for his journey across the campground (they include a "really long extension cord," popsicles, and a dictionary) and maps the path he will take, with the electrical cord demarcating his trail from "the comfort zone" to the electrical outlet. When on his quest, a fearsome penguin encounter (who'd have guessed Scaredy was right about that one?) sends him reeling off course, but Scaredy eventually discovers that the wilderness is "meant to be enjoyed up close!" As in the previous books, the small format and tidy, humorously labeled cartoons make Scaredy's world feel especially immediate and accessible. The loveably neurotic (yet highly resourceful) rodent should continue to help anxious readers see their own fears in a different light. Ages 4â8.
November 19, 2021
PreS-Gr 3-True to his name, Scaredy Squirrel goes out of his way to avoid unpleasant situations. However, in attempting to plug in a very long power cable for his indoor television, he ends up on an outdoor adventure that involves more planning and equipment than simply going camping. Watt's visual demonstrations of Scaredy's preparation, including a weather chart, warm-up routine, and carefully mapped guide to the campground, tell a story of their own. There is no dialogue, only narration and labels, though Scaredy makes several smiling demonstrations of his equipment and preparation. All these details, including some dotted-line paths through obstacles, make readers an active participant every step of the way. VERDICT This interactive guide to Scaredy Squirrel's efforts to avoid trouble is absolutely worth the trouble to find and read.-Thomas Maluck, Richland Lib., SC
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