Scaredy Squirrel

Feb 21, 2009 Toby rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

2010 Monarch Award master list
`From the flap copy: ‘Here’s the story, in a nutshell: I never leave my nut tree. It’s way too dangerous out there. I could encounter germs, poison ivy or sharks. If danger comes along, I’m prepared. I have antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute. But things really get shaken up later in the book when I’m forced out of my tree by a vicious intruder! Will I survive this ordeal? Will I undergo a life-changing experience? Will I discover my true inner self?’ No...more

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Sep 12, 2009 Abigail rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fearful Children / Anyone Too Attached to a Routine

Recommended to Abigail by: Lisa & Emily

Shelves: picture-books

Review Temporarily Removed.

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Sep 04, 2011 Philip rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Philip by: Luann

Shelves: children, eleanor-review

I stole this style of review from Heather's (well, Heather's daughter's) fantastic review of Ladybug Girl at the Beach. Her review is a lot more... focused.

Interviewer/ Dad: What did you think about Scaredy Squirrel?

Eleanor: I thought it was good.

Gwennie: Scardey Squirrel's about scarey.

Dad: Ellie, why did you like it?

Eleanor: Because I wanted to. Why are you typing that?

Dad: Gwennie, did you like Scaredy Squirrel?

Gwennie: Yeah.

Dad: Why?

Gwennie: Because Scaredy is scarey scarey...

Dad: What happe...more

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Oct 01, 2012 Laura Lee Denby rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Scaredy Squirrel is a beautifully written witty book about courage and knowing our fears.
The book is about a nervous squirrel who never ever leaves the safety of his little nut tree in to the dangerous realms of The Unknown! He is scared of many things, including germs, and indeed instructs us to wash our hands with antibacterial soap before reading any further! Scaredy Squirrel is scared of: green Martians, killer bees, tarantulas, poison ivy and sharks. Of course none of these creatures are in...more Scaredy Squirrel is a beautifully written witty book about courage and knowing our fears.
The book is about a nervous squirrel who never ever leaves the safety of his little nut tree in to the dangerous realms of The Unknown! He is scared of many things, including germs, and indeed instructs us to wash our hands with antibacterial soap before reading any further! Scaredy Squirrel is scared of: green Martians, killer bees, tarantulas, poison ivy and sharks. Of course none of these creatures are in his little, safe nut tree but it does mean he only gets to see and do the same old things every day. However, if anything unusual did happen, do not worry; Scaredy Squirrel has his trusty emergency kit and plans for every eventuality… which mainly end in playing dead. One day something happens, something he did not plan for! A killer bee arrives in our poor Scaredy Squirrels tree and he knocks his emergency kit straight out of the tree! Scaredy Squirrel jumps without thinking, to catch his kit and then something incredible happens! Scaredy Squirrel begins to glide, after all this time, he has finally found out he is a flying squirrel. If he had never jumped out of the tree, into The Unknown, he would never have known. This flying squirrel discovers he loves flying and forgets all about the killer bee in his home and all the other things of which he is afraid. Finally he lands in a bush and plays dead for two whole hours and then when he is quite content that nothing terrible is happening, returns to his nice, safe tree. His experience has inspired him and now every day although he is still quite a nervous little squirrel, he jumps into The Unknown every single day and he forget all about his emergency kit.
I think this book is fantastic in so many ways. The tale in itself is so appropriate to modern life for children in which they may be worried about many things. This story shows us it is ok to worry sometimes but if you are too scared it may stop you experiencing some wonderful things. You may never learn the best things about yourself! We all need to push ourselves sometimes in life and this book illustrates that in the most lovely and understandable way. Whilst I would say this book is aimed at the 4-9 age group I honestly think it would be enjoyed by a whole range of children and adults. The themes in it can be discussed deeply or it can be taken for the lovely story with exciting pictures that it is. I also think it is particularly useful that the book contains a very well written foreword and an end note about the author. This makes it useful in class for exploration around the structure of books.
This book could also be used in PSHE classes to discuss situations in which we have achieved something which was initially for us or things we might want to try in future.
The illustrations in this book are fantastic, although quite simple there are many things to look at and I believe this is a book pupil and teacher alike will want to look at time and time again!
So remember everyone- you might just be able to fly if you jump out into The Unknown one day!
(less)

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Dec 20, 2011 Jessie Bear rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ages-5-8, animals, days-of-the-week, fears, humor, outdoors, picture-book, safety, si-624, squirrels, trees

Scaredy Squirrel is a homebody, afraid to leave his tree for the vast unknown for fear of germs, killer bees, sharks, green Martians, etc. This delightful tale teaches kids about taking new chances or trying something new, but reads in a humorous rather than didactic tone. Scaredy Squirrel is an exaggerated character with strict routines and organized rational lists. He’s endearing to children and a memorable character. Scaredy Squirrel’s lists and diagrams also contribute to a unique storytelli...more

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May 03, 2011 Brenna McEvitt rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: k-3-books

This book tells the tale of Scaredy Squirrel, who is so scared to leave his tree that he never experiences life. One day he finds himself out of his tree and is forced to face the world. This is a great book to teach theme with or to teach voice (since Scaredy Squirrel writes his own lists and speaks to the reader). Awards for this book include:
2008
Black-Eyed Susan Award, Maryland Educational Media , winner
2008
Children’s Choice Picture Book Award, Washington Library Media , shortlist
2008
Libr...more

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Mar 30, 2011 Keri rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ucd-children-s-lit

Category: Grades K-3, Book #5

I love, love, love, love this book! The first time I read it, I laughed the whole way through and for hours later. I was so excited about the book that I had to borrow a copy (from YOU, Marcie) and take it home to share with my husband. If there ever was a book that was written with only me in mind, this is it! In fact I'm wondering if Melanie Watt has been spying on me! It fits me to the tee! You could literally switch out the squirrel for me, except I don't live in...more

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Nov 11, 2009 Lynsey rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pb-monarch-award-nominee-for-2010

2nd to 4th grade
Upon first glance I though this book would have been much more remedial based off of the title and illustrations on the front page. Wow, I was so wrong. The text describes how scaredy squirrel is afraid to leave the safety of his tree. I uses a large variety of vocabulary that is much higher level that lower elementary level children may not understand. The text not only incorporates schedules of day but also of time, what to do in a disaster. The text is arranged in a variety of...more

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Nov 06, 2009 Connie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was introduced to this book at library storytime. The librarians really like this book and the sequels, and the kids there get into it a lot.

Scaredy squirrel is afraid of... well... everything. Mostly the unknown. After all - it may contain sharks! Or germs! Or green martians! Or... KILLER BEES!!!!! So he just stays in his tree. He can eat a nut and look at the view, eat a nut and look at the view all day long. No excitement. No danger. Everything absolutely under control.

Until a killer bee ap...more

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May 10, 2009 Sabrina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This review applies to all of the SS books. Contains spoiler-ish information-- don't continue reading if that sort of thing bothers you!

I absolutely ADORE Melanie Watt's Scaredy Squirrel collection. The books are clever, funny, and cuter than all get-out! I could write for days about Watt's clever use of visual symbols and metaphors, and her remarkable attention to detail. While these kinds of imaginative touches are not unique among high-quality children's books, I feel she does a particularly...more This review applies to all of the SS books. Contains spoiler-ish information-- don't continue reading if that sort of thing bothers you!

I absolutely ADORE Melanie Watt's Scaredy Squirrel collection. The books are clever, funny, and cuter than all get-out! I could write for days about Watt's clever use of visual symbols and metaphors, and her remarkable attention to detail. While these kinds of imaginative touches are not unique among high-quality children's books, I feel she does a particularly stunning (and amusing) job of incorporating those little touches to great effect. I own all four books, and have read each to my fourth grade students. We are obsessed! As a class, we're even working on our own version, featuring our class pet (a similarly easily-frightened Roborovski dwarf hamster).

Scaredy Squirrel is a lovable but misguided rodent who carefully considers everything that scares him and constructs emergency kits and extensive plans to keep himself safe. Invariably, something comes up that he hasn't forseen ("This was NOT part of the plan!"), and after panicking for a moment (and playing dead-- his consistent defense of last resort), he discovers that this scary twist of fortune is really not scary at all. He realizes that the new experience is actually fun, and that realization prompts him to make some small change to his lifestyle.

Kids love him because he's funny and cute. I love him for the same reasons, but also because I see a lot of his quirky tendencies in myself and others I know. He's a bit of a perfectionist, has an offbeat sense of humor, and is somewhat socially-awkward. (He's also into knitting and scrapbooking, two things I LOVE.) Most importantly, he has an almost obsessive need for control, devising extensive plans in an attempt to overcome his fears of a scary world. I'm sure a lot of adults can identify with that kind of behavior, and can also find comfort and inspiration in his ability to (eventually...) recognize that not all change is bad, and that with a few small changes to one's routine and outlook, it's possible to achieve a better balance between safety and fun.

Overall, these books are just fantastic. I highly recommend them to anyone and everyone, especially my adult friends who could use a little chuckle, and a reminder to lighten up! (less)

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May 19, 2012 Jana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: children

I buy children books as birthday presents for my adult friends. Usually I always go with whatever Tomislav Torjanac illustrated (Antuntun, Djevojčica i div, Grga Čvarak) but apparently Torjanac has become a hit in Croatia, so everybody reads his picture books, so sometimes there is a shortage in bookstores. But I think more parents than children read them because you look at them and instantly put your hand on your chest because nostalgia and tenderness wash over.

So these days a lot of my frien...more

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Aug 28, 2009 Lisa Vegan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: adults, “older” kids who enjoy picture books, anyone who needs to broaden their horizons

Shelves: childrens, fiction, picture-books, reviewed

This is adorable. I think young kids will get the gist but it helps to be older to understand all the inside information. This is one of those picture books (such as Oh, the Places You'll Go! ) that can make a great gift for adults.

I loved the smiling bees, although I’m not sure I’m particularly fond of the pictures, as I was in Watt’s Chester books. I’m afraid of bees. (Mélanie Watt is afraid of sharks.) Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of a lot of things, including some things that are outlandish (f...more

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Mar 30, 2011 Ana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sometimes I wonder if there are certain children's books that pose as "picture books"... but are really secretly intended for us "big kids" and are only trying to get a giggle out of us. Because that is exactly what happened when all of us in the staff here at our library got a hold of this gem!

Written perhaps for a more detail-oriented crowd, Scaredy Squirrel is the tale of a most cautious, attentive squirrel who comes complete with his own set of fears, an affinity for weighing pros and cons,...more

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Dec 28, 2010 Jamie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Scaredy Squirrel is scared of everything. He has an emergency plan in place for every event that could possibly happen. Then one day, Scaredy Squirrel gets stung by a bee and falls from the tree. He finds out that he is a flying squirrel, and that being out of his tree house is not such a bad thing.
The illustrations in this book are excellent. The squirrel is very animated and has very big facial expressions. There are little notes throughout the book that add information to the pictures. If t...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Meredith Trotter rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: participation

Publication: 2006

Grade/Age: PreK-3rd grade

Annotation: Scaredy Squirrel always stays in his tree, fearing to venture forth into the great "unknown." He is prepared for any eventuality. One day, the unexpected happens and Scaredy Squirrel finds that he might not be as prepared as he had thought.

Themes: Overcoming fears and worries, planning ahead, having a daily routine

Ways to use the book:

In the story Scaredy Squirrel finds out something new about himself--that he is a flying squirrel and that t...more

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Dec 01, 2008 Annie added it · review of another edition

K-3
A squirrel has every minute of his day mapped out. He wakes up, eats a nut, looks around, eats a nut, looks around, eats a nut, then goes to bed. Depending on the day he will alter his position in the tree. The squirrel never leaves the tree because he is extremly scared of everything out there. Just in case he ever has to leave though, he has an emergency kit packed and ready. One day, his worst nightmare happens. A killer bee appears out of no where and scares him so much he jumps out of th...more

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Apr 04, 2011 Joy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens

Scaredy Squirrel is mostly content in his lovely, safe treetop where he can avoid the many things he's afraid to encounter (i.e. bees, poison ivy, sharks). He's super prepared for any and every eventuality with his trusty plan and emergency kit. He feels pretty secure. Of course when he is detailing how wonderfully prepared he is, things don't go to plan and Scaredy Squirrel is forced to leave his secure home. Fortunately, even without his detailed plan and many emergency items, Scaredy Squirrel...more

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Sep 23, 2011 Naomi King rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: children-s

Any book that insists I wash my hands before reading has my laughing attention. Watch my mind jump onto the spinning wheel of fear (but this book is a little tatty and the first few pages are covered in who knows what, but it is pretty dry -- I wonder how long microbes live in -- ew!is that pudding or dried snot?...)That's the beauty of this text: adults are going to be thinking about themselves as Scaredy Squirrel just as much as the children they're reading with. Well and good, because there's...more

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Jun 26, 2010 Cammym rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: wou-children-s-ya-lit

So cute! So clever! Scaredy Squirrel does not like to leave his tree because he could encounter all kinds of dangerous things such as germs, aliens, and killer bees. But he does get kind of tired of the same old routine every day consisting of eating nuts, sleeping, and looking at the view. Though he usually has his emergency kit handy complete with parachute and antibacterial soap, he accidentally knocks it out of his tree when he is attacked by what must certainly be a killer bee! His only rec...more

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Nov 02, 2007 Allison rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: kids from 3 to 81

If ever there was a children's book written for me, this was it. I should give it to my niece when she is old enough, but maybe i won't. Meet Scaredy Squirrel

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Jun 28, 2011 Marita rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: k-1, 2-3

Publisher: Kids Can Press, p2006, c2006
ISBN-13: 978-1-55337-959-1

Genre: Fiction, Picture Book
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 3.6

Scaredy Squirrel is scared of everything. Illustrations very witty.
Scaredy Squirrel gains confidence as he adventures from his nut tree.
Melanie Watt spoke at Red Clover Conference fall of 2010 - great insights of writing process and coming projects. (See notes from Red Clover Conference, October 2010.)

Reviews & Awards

Book Links (A.L.A.) 01/01/10
Notable/Best Books...more

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Jan 24, 2011 Cathy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens-picture-book

Scaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It's way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he's well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel's emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute. Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day;his worst nightmare comes true! Scaredy suddenly finds himself out of his tree, where germs, poison ivy and shar...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Mitel Patel added it · review of another edition

Scaredy Squirrel is a superb choice for story hour as well as the shy child who is hesitant about making friends. It’s about a squirrel who is scared to make friends in case he gets bitten. He then decides to be friends with a gold fish as he believes the gold fish can’t hurt him because it has no teeth but on his way he meets a dog and from there the story takes a twist. The story is suitable for early years and KS1. The witty text is accompanied by cartoon-like artwork that is laugh-out-loud...more

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Feb 09, 2013 Abby rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: children-s

Scaredy Squirrel is a neurotic little squirrel who's afraid of everything, especially everything outside of his tree. He stays in his tree all day every day with his emergency kit in case something happens. One day, something does happen, and to tell you any more than that would be to tell you the story, because this book is super short!

The pictures in this book are simple and colorful, and many of them are contained in schedules or lists, reinforcing the idea that Scaredy is a little neurotic....more

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Oct 12, 2012 April rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

1. Rating: 4
2. A book review from Publisher's Weekly said, "It's an indication of how well Watt (Leon the Chameleon) knows her helicopter-parented audience that she's able to turn the phrase "antibacterial soap" into a bona fide punchline. Fearing attack by Martians, sharks, poison ivy, killer bees, tarantulas and/or germs, Scaredy Squirrel decides "he'd rather stay in his safe and familiar tree than risk venturing out into the unknown." But just in case something goes awry, this most anxious ro...more

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Jul 04, 2011 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Scaredy Squirrel series is perfect for any child who is a little nervous about the big, unpredictable world (or grown-ups who are a little over-zealously overprotective, or even childless grown-ups like me who have mild OCD/pessimist tendencies). It's about learning how to respond to unexpected change and step outside your comfort zone, told in a humorous but supportive manner through the easily lovable character of Scaredy Squirel. Scaredy's fears are often irrational but he learns from exp...more

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Feb 07, 2011 Jennie Park added it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

This is a very funny story that you can read to all levels of children. It has funny illustrations and the reading is not very difficult so that everyone can comprehend the message of the story easily. The main message of the story is to not be afraid of taking risks. The squirrel in the story was always so scared and worried that he never took chances, but when he did accidentally, he found out that he was a flying squirrel. He discovered a talent that he did not have before by conquering his f...more

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Mar 02, 2010 L11-Mary Utterback rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: international

Scaredy Squirrel is a cute and lovng tale of a squirrel who is to afraid to leave his tree. He thinks that there are terrible things in the world and would rather stay where he is safe. Then one day something happens and he finds himself out of his safe haven. I purchased this book for my library for a fill in unit for the sub or on a day where we were short on time. I think this book could be used as a teaching tool for grades K-5. I used for fifth grade to talk about the transition into middle...more

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Mar 14, 2013 Graciela Gonzalez rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is about a squirrel that is too scared to leave his nut tree. This book demonstrates that although we are comfortable with what we know, we may be missing out on the unknown. In the story when something happens…he finds out that he is flying squirrel and enjoys flying out the nut tree. This situation prompts him to change his routine and he realizes that it’s not that scary out of his nut tree. This is cute story but I think the illustration could be better. This book is good to talk a...more

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Jul 13, 2010 dee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Scaredy cats

Recommended to dee by: Kathy Manning, keep them coming

Shelves: children-s-books

This is one scared squirrel. I wish my neighboring squirrels would stay in their trees. He is afraid of everything. I love how he makes lists. Here are a few things he is afraid of: tarantulas (me too), germs, killer bees (me too) and sharks (me too). I wonder how many sharks he runs into? He shows the advantages and disadvantages of leaving his safe haven. We see his daily routine, boring. But rest assured, he is prepared if he decides to leave. He's got it all covered. Will he leave his safety...more

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