The Secret Life of Squirrels. Nancy Rose. Toronto, ON: Puffin/Penguin Canada, 2014. 32 pp., hardcover, $19.99. ISBN 978-0-670-06822-7. Kindergarten-grade 4 / Ages 5-9. Review by John Dryden. **** /4

excerpt:

He checks his mailbox every day, hoping for a reply. Once day he finds a letter waiting for him. It reads:

Dear Mr. Peanuts, my favourite cuz,

Thanks for the letter. It's been too long. Can't wait to see what you're up to these days. I'll be there soon.

Cheers,
Cousin Squirrel

Mr. Peanuts smiles as he reads the tiny letter over and over. Then he gets right to work. He wants to make sure everything is perfect for his cousin's visit.

Wow! I could simply end the review right there. What a fantastic book! The story documents in photographs how Mr. Peanuts lives day to day but sometimes feels lonely. Then he mails an invitation to Cousin Squirrel. He receives the above reply and prepares for his long awaited cousin’s visit. Once Cousin Squirrel arrives, the story then follows where they go and what they do.

     The photographs are amazing. The story is unique and helps connect the story to the reader's imagination so very well. The back of the book has a list of tips on how to photograph wildlife, and how to stage shots like the ones found in the book. My only criticism: What if you're a gardener and really hate squirrels?

Highly Recommended.

John Dryden is a teacher in BC’s Cowichan Valley.

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Updated: October 17, 2014 (hsd)