Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Halloween: A Safety Guide for Scaredies

Scaredy Squirrel #8

by Mélanie Watt

From costume ideas to trick-or-treating strategies, Scaredy Squirrel helps readers plan for the spookiest night of the year! Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Halloween is the second in a series of nutty safety guides featuring everyone's favorite worrywart.

Genres: Picture Books, Halloween, Childrens, Humor, Holiday, Animals, Fiction

64 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2013

About the author

It was in a design class taught by Michèle Lemieux at the University of Quebec in Montreal that author and illustrator Mélanie Watt created her first picture book, Leon the Chameleon, which was later published by Kids Can Press. Watt went on to create several more books, including the Learning with Animals collection and Augustine, which was named an ALA Notable Children's Book. Watt has also illustrated Where Does a Tiger-Heron Spend the Night? and Bearcub and Mama, which won the 2006 IRA Teachers' Choices Project.

Mélanie's best known book Scaredy Squirrel, has won many awards including the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award for Children's Picture Book and the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award. The release of Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend, was met with enthusiastic reviews and incredible sales, confirming the arrival of kid lit's newest superstar.

Chester,Chester's Back! and Chester's Masterpiece are about a megalomaniac cat who is every bit the antithesis to Scaredy. Chester has already become a bestseller and shows the breadth and creativity of Mélanie Watt.

Scaredy returns to take a few more tentative steps out of his comfort zone in Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach and Scaredy Squirrel at Night. Mélanie has often noted how the Scaredy Squirrel books helped her work out her own insecurities and fears, as the success of these titles has required her to venture out into the unknown, and like Scaredy she has found the experience truly uplifting.

Mélanie currently resides near Montreal, Quebec.

~From http://www.kidscanpress.com/creators/...

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

That neurotic sciurine hero, Scaredy Squirrel, returns in this, his eighth picture-book adventure, this time offering a handy guide to preparing for Halloween. From decorations to costumes, candy to party-planning, everything a timid child might need to make this somewhat spooky holiday safe and fun is covered.

Although the eighth picture-books devoted to Scaredy's efforts to safeguard his world, Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Halloween: A Safety Guide for Scaredies is only the second, after Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Christmas: A Safety Guide for Scaredies , that is formatted in this guidebook manner. Although less narrative-driven than some of the other books in the series, it is nevertheless engaging and funny, with bright, colorful illustrations, and a comic-book style that works very well with the text. All in all, an entertaining addition to the Scaredy Squirrel collection!

[Noor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting this Scaredy Squirrel to be like the other Scaredy books. I was surprised to read this book because it is a great mentor text to teach a variety of informational text features that young writers can include in their own stories. I love how Melanie Watt broke away from the typical format and included chapters. As always the pictures are hilarious and Scaredy's silly personality came through this survival guide.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melanie Watt has done it again! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! There were many laugh out loud moments!

Once again, Scaredy Squirrel reminds us that it is okay to enjoy some fun moments, even if they are a little scary!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read and review this book!

[Riana (RianaInTheStacks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second Scaredy Squirrel book and I found it enjoyable though not as much so as my first one, which was Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend. On this note though, there seems to be two different kind of books in this series, one being the normal Scaredy Squirrel books like the first one I read and the other being Scaredy Squirrel Safety Guides, which is what this book was. The Safety Guide books are about twice as long as the normal books in the series and of course, have less of a flowing storyline and more of guidebook or survival guide feel to them. I didn’t enjoy this difference quite as much, though there were still times that made me chuckle out loud. Overall, it’s still a cute book and Scaredy Squirrel is adorable.

Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Halloween: A Safety Guide for Scaredies by Mélanie Watt: 3/5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

[Kristi Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scaredy Orville Squirrel (appropriate initials follow - S.O.S.) provides everyone with the essentials necessary to survive Halloween, and it is all in this handy guide clearly outlined in eight short chapters. With the use of his favorite means: lists, diagrams, and maps, S.O.S. provides readers with a hysterical (or should I say "nutty") ways to get ready for All Hallows Eve.

He starts off with a quiz in order to evaluate your level of need for this guide (if you score anywhere between 1 - 8, it is the perfect book for you). Other features in this safety guide include the following: a plan to help you danger proof your home (be sure to place your "blender on HIGH" at the top of your home -the "deafening noises [is] sure to keep ghosts and goblins away!" - even if they are fictional), a handy guide to help you pick the perfect costume (they range from "unscary" to "terrifying" - my personal favorite - the Theoretical Physicist - and in case you are wondering, he is listed as "unscary") for the scariest of all holidays, and a chart to help you choose the perfect size container needed to transport your candy.

Scaredy Squirrel provides a great deal of laughs for all in this wonderful book preparing young children for Halloween. Yes, S.O.S. is funny and everyone will have fun reading this safety guide, but when it comes down to the "nuts" and bolts of this book, it is a fantastic way to talk to kids about Halloween. This special day for children is no longer the carefree adventure it was when I was young. It is a day when some people choose to prey on the innocent. We shouldn't have to inspect our children's candy before they can eat it, but Scaredy reminds readers of the importance of "Detecting Quality" when he advises readers to "hand it over for thorough inspection." He even provides some alternative solutions to the door-to-door tradition, by suggesting party planning tips and activities.

You can read the history of Halloween or you can recall your own experiences from childhood, but I think the humorous manner in which Scaredy Squirrel presents Halloween will be one you and your family will want to revisit each year. Don't delay in picking up a copy of this book. I mean, after all, you don't have too much time....

*To comply with new guidelines introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, Kids Can Press has provided a complimentary electronic copy of this book for review purposes through NetGalley.com.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Halloween by Melanie Watt teaches Halloween Safety, while still having fun! Geared for young readers’ enjoyment, this book is filled with excellent safety tips for safe trick or treating, costume ideas, and even how to carve a pumpkin!

We all want the kids to have fun on Halloween and the Scaredy Squirrel makes the task of explaining Halloween Safety easier on parents and very understandable for kids without creating doom, gloom or fear! Learning safety shouldn’t be a task, and Melanie Watt has made it a fun adventure for the entire family!

A review copy was provided by NetGalley and Kids Can Press in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: August 1, 2013
Publisher: Kids Can Press
ISBN: 9781894786874
Number of Pages: 64
Genre: Children's Fiction - Family Reading
Age Recommendation: 5+
My Rating: 4 Stars

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[Kristine Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scaredy Squirrel is adorable, and I loved this book -- and if you are old enough to truly read this independently you will too! BUT, the story is over the heads of the intended audience of 4 to 8-year-olds, and it was a lot of work for this librarian to read it to them and get them to laugh.

I read this to various groups of kindergartners through second grade, and only the second graders understood much of the humor. The word play went right over the heads of most kids -- for example, NONE of the nearly 200 kids I read this to understood the cleverness of using the word "claws" in lieu of the word "clause" for Scaredy's party-goer's contract. And the references to Albert Einstein (3 kids knew who he was) and Michael Jackson's moonwalk (0 knew that) fell flat with this age group -- though the teachers all chuckled.

Having said all this, the book has the loveable Scaredy Squirrel, which means it will be checked-out over and over until it falls apart. Kids love this character and series of books (LOVE Scaredy dressed as a hot dog)and young ones will happily flip through and enjoy the illustrations.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me a free eBook copy in exchange for my honest review -- the only kind I give!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review posted on my daughter's blog KK's Books & Reviews

This book is probably for little kids who are scared of Halloween. I didn’t like it a lot because it was too babyish. But maybe it could be for my baby sister when she goes trick-or-treating for her first time.

The pictures are really cute and it does give you information about trick-or-treating. Parts of it are funny like the toad stuck to the candy. I liked the party ideas too and I want to read Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Christmas: A Safety Guide for Scaredies.

***ARC courtesy of Kids Can Press via netgalley.com

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scaredy does it again! Each of his books is perfect to prepare for a new experience or to overcome anxiety about an upcoming event. This time he is making sure Halloween will be fun and not frightening. His tips on choosing a costume, making refreshments, and what size of treat bag to use are both funny and helpful. As usual, the book is full of lists, charts, maps, and captions.

This is the perfect book to read with someone who is a bit nervous about going trick-or-treating or attending a Halloween party. They will have a better idea of what to expect and lots of safety tips for the evening.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

[Ham · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first experience with Scaredy Squirrel was pleasant. I like his OCD quirkiness and a couple things had me smiling, but mostly the humor was over my kids' heads.

Me: Did you guys like this book?
Kids: Yes!
Me: Did you like it or really like it?
Kids: Really like it!
Me: Why?
Kids: Because it talked about Halloween and candy and stuff.
Me: Did you think the squirrel was funny?
Kids: Sort of.

Later, my six year old said reading this book was the best part of her day, so way to go Melanie Watt. Never underestimate kids' anticipation for candy holidays. Too bad this was an early read and it's still July.

(P.S. Thanks for the copy NetGalley and Kids Can Press!)

['Nathan Burgoine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aw, I love Scaredy. This prep guide is the nervous squirrel's helpful hints for Hallowe'en, and it's as amusing as the other books. I have to admit that I do like the actual stories better than the two guides, but laughed nonetheless.

Here you'll learn how to avoid costumes that cause too much terror (Killer Bees are not a good choice) and how just because orange and black are the hallowe'en colours, it doesn't mean you have to decorate with scary objects.

There's even a "defense plan" for dealing with witches, Frankenstein's monster, ghosts, and vampires. And if all else fails?

Well, you know.

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter and I both jump and doing a little squeal when we see a new Scaredy Squirrel book arrive on the library shelves. Yes, I am sure we get some strange looks but I don’t care, books make me happy! In this edition Scaredy Squirrel helps prepare young readers for having a fun and most importantly SAFE Halloween. Our furry protagonist offers tips on party planning, costume choice and of course protecting ones home from all things spooky. Personally I didn’t love the new chapter book format that this book was written in and it was not as humorous as some of the others in the series, but all in all we enjoyed reading it.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh Scaredy Squirrel, you are braver than you know....

Going out on Halloween (or staying in and having a party) can be pretty stressful for small children. Everything is strange and scary. So this book with everyone's favorite overreacting squirrel should help them to see the silly side of all of this. And realize that a bit of spookiness can be a whole lot of fun.

Cute book, though this neurotic critter needs professional help. Seriously. Maybe medication...?

[Shannon Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

How in the world have I missed reading the Scaredy Squirrel books????????? Oh. My. Word. This one was beyond cute!

A FABULOUS picture book with awesome vocabulary guaranteed to hook your most reluctant readers in the classroom!

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

loving all Scaredy Squirrel. This is no exception. A silly guide to staying squirrel-safe on Halloween with costume ideas, treat recommendations, party ideas, Scaredy-style. Fun and funny, though not as brilliant and quirky as some others in the series.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Draw face on photogenic side of pumpkin."

[Kevin Hogg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute Scaredy Squirrel book. My family loves these, and we set this one aside to read on the week of Halloween. Lots of great and funny advice for surviving the holiday. I will say that I didn't connect with this one quite as much as the other Scaredy Squirrel books, but I think that's just because I'm not big on Halloween itself. Even with that, though, the ideas, illustrations, and jokes are great. Definitely a welcome addition to the Scaredy series.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Details EVERYTHING about Halloween in a funny way so that kids can understand. Love Scaredy Squirrel. Only downside is that there is SO MUCH information on every page. Otherwise, super cute!

[Carrie Simas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scaredy is a great character whose fears help children understand that it is okay to have fears and even to make plans to feel safe in the face of them—but that often life presents opportunities to show us that fears are often unfounded.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

No story, just a lot of information. Some of which is ridiculous. But it's meant to be gently funny, because those of us with anxiety have to be able to laugh at ourselves. Not my favorite SOS book but I am still having fun as I work my way through the series.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would be good for emerging readers but tricky to read out loud. There are a lot of fun little jokes and it is entertaining.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very humorous. A MUST buy. I cannot keep this series on the shelf. It is VERY popular. Recommended for ES. Grades K-3

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are cute but good god they take forever to read out loud

[Sam R · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is really funny and I'm 9!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this hilarious little guy! The perfect addition to any classroom library.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Golden archer nominee 2018. Love Scaredy Squirrel, but this one was too long for a read aloud. Kids loved it, even though I didn't read every word. Read to 8 classes K-2.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Scaredy Tip:
if all else fails, Play Dead.
then trace your outline and leave the scene

[Glenda Woodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of our favorite characters and holidays!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Sarah (TheLibrarysKeeper) · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who is teaching themselves French - this book was surprisingly difficult translation wise. While I found the humor in it, it was a more challenging reading experience.