Gray Squirrel Loses It!

PreS-Gr 3–When a squirrel loses his special nut, all sorts of educational hilarity ensues. Grayson T. Squirrel bounds into the story with all the frenetic energy one would expect of an agitated squirrel. He interrupts a nature tour demanding help, and jumps to conclusions with every attempt at problem-solving. The narrator somewhat patiently guides him through a series of questions that eventually lead to the nut’s discovery—but after several months in the ground, things have changed, causing Grayson to begin all over again. The story is full of slapstick ­humor and facts about forest animals. ­Science concepts abound, mostly in the artwork rather than the dialogue. A page of helpful information, including a glossary, is included at the end of the book. Illustrations are clear and pleasant, with a strong palette. The use of fingerpaints adds understated texture to the digital images, and fun side jokes are found throughout the pages. ­Federman makes good use of her space, ­employing a combination of single illustrations and spreads with inset panels, reminiscent of graphic novels, that highlight important moments.