Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell: (A Graphic Novel)

by Mélanie Watt

Overview

The time is now for this anxious little guy: Meet Scaredy Squirrel in his brand-new graphic novel series! He's funnier (and scared-ier) than ever, and perfect for readers of Narwhal and Jelly.

Scaredy is happy to stay in his nut tree. Why would he ever leave? The outside is filled with dangers. Like aliens! And dust! And a certain fluffy bunny who likes to pop up! But things don't always go as planned, even for a super-prepared squirrel. When he has to venture out of his tree and onto the ground, Scaredy panics and plays dead . . . but maybe the fluffy bunny's not so scary after all?

In a nutshell, Scaredy might just make a new friend, if he is brave enough. . . .

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593568453
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	05/03/2022
Series:	Scaredy's Nutty Adventures: A Stepping Stone Book (TM) , #1
Pages:	68
Product dimensions:	6.81(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

Author and illustrator Melanie Watt is the bestselling creative genius behind many beloved picture books for children, including the Scaredy Squirrel series, the Chester series, Bug in a Vacuum, You're Finally Here!, Have I Got a Book for You! and Augustine. Melanie's books have received numerous starred reviews from journals including Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, and have won many state awards, including the Virginia Readers' Choice Award, North Carolina's Children's Book Award and Maryland's Black-Eyed Susan Award. The Scaredy Squirrel animated television series airs on the Cartoon Network in the US and YTV in Canada.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell:
"The simple story is enlivened by bold, expressive artwork and stylistic embellishments; Scaredy, an overthinker top to tail, is especially fond of lists and charts… In a nutshell: short and sweet.” —Kirkus Reviews

Previous praise for Scaredy Squirrel:
“Youngsters will go nuts over this one.” —Publishers Weekly, on Scaredy Squirrel
 
“The sweet silliness with which Scaredy approaches his fear will make them laugh.” —Kirkus Reviews, on Scaredy Squirrel at Night
 
“The humor is silly enough that kids with their own scaredy tendencies won't feel preached at, and others will just appreciate the delicious ridiculousness.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, on Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend
 
“Fans will hope for much more from this endearing fellow.” —Publishers Weekly, on Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend

From the Publisher

06/01/2021

PreS-Gr 2—Reader favorite Scaredy Squirrel is back for another fun adventure in this first installment of the graphic novel series based on the beloved picture books. Scaredy is as obsessed as ever with keeping his nuts and tree free from intruders like cats, woodpeckers, mammoths, and aliens. When his fool-proof plan goes awry, he must come up with a new idea, and then another. But along the way, perhaps he might even make a friend. Featuring panels and other graphic novel elements, this delightful, laugh-out-loud tale is the rare example of a picture book that can be read to younger children yet will still appeal to beginning readers. Young readers experiencing anxiety about safety will likely find this tale relatable and calming. The cartoon-style artwork has a childlike simplicity, with bright colors that pop, yet is sophisticated enough to convey emotions, plot, and movement. VERDICT This one is a must where other "Scaredy Squirrel" books are popular—but newcomers to the series will be sucked in, too. Engaging, humorous, and utterly relatable.—Elizabeth Nicolai, Anchorage P.L., AK

School Library Journal

2021-04-14
Always be prepared...to be underprepared.

Scaredy Squirrel is perfectly happy to stay in his nut tree, away from the myriad dangers plaguing the outside world, like aliens, germs, cacti, and evil dust bunnies. Or, as the case may turn out to be, not-so-evil dust-free bunnies, who do pesky and panic-inducing things like clog Scaredy’s trusty vacuum and try to make friends. In a nutshell: a risky situation! Scaredy, of course, has constructed contingency plans for his contingency plans in hopes of avoiding such situations (when in doubt, play dead). But the best-laid plans of squirrels and men oft go awry, leading Scaredy to discover that sometimes, a risk can yield a mighty (and tasty) reward. With this outing, Watt gives her award-winning Scaredy Squirrel picture-book series, published over a decade ago, a graphic-novel upgrade for a contemporary audience. Fortunately, no familiarity with the series is required to quickly get a grasp of this quirky, querulous, and ultimately rather adorable character. The simple story is enlivened by bold, expressive artwork and stylistic embellishments; Scaredy, an overthinker top to tail, is especially fond of lists and charts. An impressive collection of fears and cameos, including the insidiously ubiquitous Gary the Germ, promises plenty of nutty adventures to come (confirmed in the concluding FAQ).

In a nutshell: short and sweet. (Graphic fiction. 6-9)

Kirkus Reviews