Book: Scaredy Squirrel Has A Birthday Party
Author: Melanie Watt
Pages: 32
Age Range: 4 to 8
Scaredy Squirrel is one of my favorite children's book characters. I reviewed Scaredy Squirrel and Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend, have given the Scaredy books many times as gifts, and even interviewed Melanie Watt about Scaredy once. I was extra-thrilled to be able to celebrate Scaredy's birthday in conjunction with Baby Bookworm's.
Scaredy Squirrel Has A Birthday Party is the fifth book in the Scaredy Squirrel series. It is just as fun as its predecessors. As the book begins, Scaredy is planning for his own birthday party. He feels that the safest thing will be celebrate alone in his tree, away from the potential dangers of Bigfoot, confetti, clownfish, ants, ponies, and porcupines. But when Scaredy's friend Buddy gives him a thoughtful card, plans for the party have to change.
The two things that I love most about these books are here in full force. First off, Scaredy is adorable. As I've said before, you just want to pick him up and hug him. He's got this nervous, hopeful smile that stretches across his face. He looks like a little doll in his baby picture, and dressed up in a blue tuxedo and ruffled shirt for the party, well, he's quite dapper.
Second, the books are filled with small, entertaining details. For example, among the "exhibits" compiled in support of Scaredy's "Birthday Party Checklist" are a Nutty Cake Recipe (complete with instruction to "verify expiration dates on all ingredients") and Scaredy's Birth Certificate. His middle name is Orville (S.O.S., get it?). Boxes are checked for "Cute: yes", "Teeth: no" and "Fleas: no". What a relief! Scaredy's plan for ensuring the success and safety of his party is quite ingenious (if a bit overly ambitious, as it turns out).
Scaredy Squirrel Has A Birthday Party is not so much a book to be read aloud as it is a book to be pored over with a small child, reviewing the many fun details. Melanie Watt trained as a graphic artist, and the book is full of icons and charts and time-tables. There are bold lines and colors, and a mix of large and small panels on the various pages.
In short, Scaredy Squirrel Has A Birthday Party is irrepressible fun. Although this is the fifth book in the series, it feels as fresh as the first. Children and adults are sure to empathize with Scaredy's worries (What are safe topics for small talk? What if something gets spilled?), and smile sympathetically when things don't turn out quite as he plans. Highly recommended, and the perfect birthday gift for any four-year-old of your acquaintance.
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Publication Date: February 1, 2011
Source of Book: Review copy from the publisher
© 2011 by Jennifer Robinson of Jen Robinson's Book Page. All rights reserved. All Amazon links in this post are affiliate links, and may result in my receiving a small commission on purchases (with no additional cost to you).
Wonderfully put. I couldn't agree more. This one is definitely in my top 3, my favorite being Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend. I did love the friendship/small talk tips!
Posted by: Jennifer@5 Minutes for Books | April 07, 2011 at 11:29 AM
Thanks, Jennifer! I like Scaredy Squirrel makes a friend, too. This one would make an excellent birthday gift for just about anyone. The small talk tips are priceless! I was reading them aloud to my husband.
Posted by: Jen Robinson | April 07, 2011 at 05:05 PM
I ADORE Scaredy Squirrel! I even have a SS lanyard. Did you know there's a new Scaredy TV show? So sad it's only in Canada (oh, and I don't have a kid so that'd be a little weird but wouldn't stop me.) Major bummer.
Posted by: Carin S. | April 07, 2011 at 07:07 PM
I did know that there was a Scaredy TV show in Canada, but I haven't seen it. I'd watch myself, if it was in the US, even though my daughter isn't allowed to watch TV yet.
Posted by: Jen Robinson | April 07, 2011 at 08:37 PM
I hadn't heard of Scaredy Squirrel. Thanks for sharing. The books sound like a lot of fun. I chuckled just at the thought of dangerous confetti. You can never be too careful! I'll definitely be checking out these books.
Posted by: Catherine Nichols | April 26, 2011 at 09:05 AM
Oh, Catherine, you must check out Scaredy Squirrel. The books are so much fun! I do hope that you like them.
Posted by: Jen Robinson | April 26, 2011 at 09:38 AM
I didn't realize there are five books Scaredy Squirrel books so far. We read the first and enjoyed it. I don't think the squirrels in our area get a chance to celebrate very many birthdays. :)
Posted by: Janelle | April 27, 2011 at 07:50 AM
I suppose reading of this book could lead to neighborhood celebrations of squirrel birthday. Proceed with caution ;-)
Posted by: Jen Robinson | April 27, 2011 at 10:12 AM