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When the Squirrel Sings
This enchanting children's picture book makes music come alive when a squirrel sings and a magical, backyard symphony begins.
- GenresPicture Books
44 pages, Hardcover
Published May 18, 2019
41 people want to read
About the author
Shana Hollowell
3 books84 followersShana Hollowell is the author of Little Mouse's Sweet Treat, When the Squirrel Sings, and The Schoolyard Raccoon.
She lives in Virginia with her husband, sons, dog, cats, koi fish, and hundreds of bonsai trees. She loves animals and nature, and it reflects in her writing.
Connect with her on Facebook and Amazon at: www.facebook.com/authorshanahollowell
www.amazon.com/author/shanahollowell
She lives in Virginia with her husband, sons, dog, cats, koi fish, and hundreds of bonsai trees. She loves animals and nature, and it reflects in her writing.
Connect with her on Facebook and Amazon at: www.facebook.com/authorshanahollowell
www.amazon.com/author/shanahollowell
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 12, 2019
If you have trees in your yard sometimes little squirrels live in them.
Most have brown eyes but depending on what state you live in they could have brown, black, red or even white fur.
They love to get the acorns or walnuts from the near bye trees.
It seems squirrels like to sit in the branches & watch you play on your swing, sandbox, ball, toys, or your dog.
The fun I have is I sing a song about you when your having fun.
Soon my friends join in, you’d think we would have woken up the whole neighborhood.
Next time you come out to play be sure & look for me.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great hand painted colored pictures & proper font & writing style. A very well written children’s squirrel adventure story book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s adventure squirrel movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Most have brown eyes but depending on what state you live in they could have brown, black, red or even white fur.
They love to get the acorns or walnuts from the near bye trees.
It seems squirrels like to sit in the branches & watch you play on your swing, sandbox, ball, toys, or your dog.
The fun I have is I sing a song about you when your having fun.
Soon my friends join in, you’d think we would have woken up the whole neighborhood.
Next time you come out to play be sure & look for me.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great hand painted colored pictures & proper font & writing style. A very well written children’s squirrel adventure story book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s adventure squirrel movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 13, 2019
This picture book is truly perfect for children. It's colorful and educational.
It even made me smile. I loved the squirrel, it was adorable. Her attachment to the child was also sweet.
Shana Hollowell's writing was amazing. I loved the rhythmic pattern, it was beautiful.
The illustrations of Jennifer Finch are wonderful. I loved the colors, style, and consistency.
"But my favorite thing of all is when I get to see you,
It makes me happier than anything else I could ever do."
- Shana Hollowell, When the Squirrel Sings
It even made me smile. I loved the squirrel, it was adorable. Her attachment to the child was also sweet.
Shana Hollowell's writing was amazing. I loved the rhythmic pattern, it was beautiful.
The illustrations of Jennifer Finch are wonderful. I loved the colors, style, and consistency.
"But my favorite thing of all is when I get to see you,
It makes me happier than anything else I could ever do."
- Shana Hollowell, When the Squirrel Sings
July 30, 2019
**This book has been kindly send to me by the author**
This beautiful interactive children’s book is about the life of a singing squirrel.
First off, I love children’s books, there is just an innocence and beauty about them. They are precious and I oftentimes look in the books I’ve read as a child to get the warm fuzzies.
This one definitely delivered on that happy childhood feeling. It was so sweet and precious.
When I received my copy, I decided to wait until I had the target audience (in the form of my young cousin) next to me, to start reading it. The pure joy she got out of this book was such a lovely sight.
My favorite part was the interactive aspect of this book. On every page there is a heart to find, it makes you stand still and really look at the artwork. The broad strokes used were perfect, as this book feels rural in a sense.
I enjoyed that the book was written in verse, since I am a great lover of verse, rhyme and poetry.
The only thing, not even a real negative, is that I had different expectations from the book when I saw the cover. The colorful inside was a great surprise. I did not know exactly what I did expect, just something else.
All and all I think this is a precious children’s book perfect for kids from 0-6. I will keep my copy to just scroll through it and get that warm, fuzzy feeling from time to time.
This beautiful interactive children’s book is about the life of a singing squirrel.
First off, I love children’s books, there is just an innocence and beauty about them. They are precious and I oftentimes look in the books I’ve read as a child to get the warm fuzzies.
This one definitely delivered on that happy childhood feeling. It was so sweet and precious.
When I received my copy, I decided to wait until I had the target audience (in the form of my young cousin) next to me, to start reading it. The pure joy she got out of this book was such a lovely sight.
My favorite part was the interactive aspect of this book. On every page there is a heart to find, it makes you stand still and really look at the artwork. The broad strokes used were perfect, as this book feels rural in a sense.
I enjoyed that the book was written in verse, since I am a great lover of verse, rhyme and poetry.
The only thing, not even a real negative, is that I had different expectations from the book when I saw the cover. The colorful inside was a great surprise. I did not know exactly what I did expect, just something else.
All and all I think this is a precious children’s book perfect for kids from 0-6. I will keep my copy to just scroll through it and get that warm, fuzzy feeling from time to time.
August 9, 2019
Wonderful Children's book
Hollowell pens great children's stories, and this is one of them. It focuses on music and even magic. The readers are introduced to the singing squirrel, and the symphony that may happen in ones backyard. The illustrations were wonderful, and fit with the story. Any child that has a grand imagination will love looking at this story and reading it, or having it read to them. The squirrel says, "When I see you come outside to play, i get a great big smile. I sit up high in my tree and watch you all the while." I look forward to reading more by this author.
Hollowell pens great children's stories, and this is one of them. It focuses on music and even magic. The readers are introduced to the singing squirrel, and the symphony that may happen in ones backyard. The illustrations were wonderful, and fit with the story. Any child that has a grand imagination will love looking at this story and reading it, or having it read to them. The squirrel says, "When I see you come outside to play, i get a great big smile. I sit up high in my tree and watch you all the while." I look forward to reading more by this author.
July 3, 2019
Reading this sweet little book is a perfect way to introduce young kids to nature. The illustrations add to the story with their bright colors and water color style.
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2019
This is such a sweet story combined with whimsical illustrations! My friend's son instantly fell in love with the squirrel and his adorable song. He asked to go outside to look for squirrels after we finished reading it! This cheerful book will certainly encourage kids to explore and play outside. I highly recommend!
June 27, 2019
When the Squirrel Sings is a sweet children's book about a squirrel. It goes through the animal's day using cute rhymes and bright, colorful pictures. I think it's perfect for very young children who will delight in the story and accompanying illustrations.
I was given this book for an honest review by the author.
I was given this book for an honest review by the author.
July 8, 2019
It was a very cute story. I loved it. It relates to every day life.
August 26, 2019
I first read a book by Shana Hollowell when I reviewed Little Mouse’s Sweet Treat. Now Shana has shared When the Squirrel Sings. Beautifully and colorfully illustrated by Jennifer Finch, this traditional book for young children brings the backyard to life with a song begun by the squirrel. The story is simple, yet delightful for young listeners. Each illustration contains enough detail to be discussed and enjoyed over and over again.
November 18, 2020
Who hasn't been taken by the running squirrel that steals our glimpse? Squirrel!
This little tale is all about the squirrel―what it's like, what it eats, and what it likes to do. But, most of all, the squirrel likes to sing.
Nice paintings of the singing squirrel. Very colorful and vibrant. It's like a party for the animals. A cute read!
This little tale is all about the squirrel―what it's like, what it eats, and what it likes to do. But, most of all, the squirrel likes to sing.
Nice paintings of the singing squirrel. Very colorful and vibrant. It's like a party for the animals. A cute read!
November 3, 2019
I love, love, love this book. I highly recommend for all ages. The paintings on each page are lovely. The overall story is wonderful. It is a great storybook for the kiddos to listen/read and team read.(You read some. They read some. But remember, around all the words is a great story.)
The squirrel that lives in the backyard loves to watch you come out to play. He sits in the top of the tree and watches. He will sing a song for you later. When he starts to sing the others come out to listen and join in. The birds sing along. Woodpeckers keep the beat pecking on a tree. The hummingbirds hum. The beetles stomp to the beat. I'll let you read/listen to find out who joins in, but remember the song is for you. He even sings your name
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The squirrel that lives in the backyard loves to watch you come out to play. He sits in the top of the tree and watches. He will sing a song for you later. When he starts to sing the others come out to listen and join in. The birds sing along. Woodpeckers keep the beat pecking on a tree. The hummingbirds hum. The beetles stomp to the beat. I'll let you read/listen to find out who joins in, but remember the song is for you. He even sings your name
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 5, 2020
I love the wonderful colorful illustrations in 'When the Squirrel Sings' the movement and color is sophisticated and yet childlike enough to encourage young kids to paint.
The story is told in a rhyming voice that is fun and would encourage children to play outside and observe nature.
I absolutely love this book. Small children can enjoy having it read to them, early readers should enjoy reading along.
BRAVO! A must in children's libraries.
The story is told in a rhyming voice that is fun and would encourage children to play outside and observe nature.
I absolutely love this book. Small children can enjoy having it read to them, early readers should enjoy reading along.
BRAVO! A must in children's libraries.
August 20, 2019
This is a cute book for young kids. The story is in rhyme and is very catchy. The story behind it is captivating and I'm sure children will be searching for squirrels after this. The illustrations are very bright and eye catching. I loved that there was a little heart to find in each illustration. I recommend this book for toddlers.
July 25, 2019
The simple text and the colorful illustrations blend together with the elements of nature. The story is told from the perspective of a squirrel. I felt that the story is missing the squirrel reaching out to connect with a child. The heart on each spread is interwoven into the illustrations.
October 17, 2020
This is a wonderful picture book for toddlers and beyond. This is also an educational fun book to learn about how squirrels live in our environment. This book encourages children to go outside and play. I love the illustrations. They go with the story. They are realistic images and we're done perfectly. The story also rhymes which is an added touch. The character is a singing squirrel who brings out his friends in the woods to join him. The squirrel is singing about his friends of the children in the backyard. I recommend this book for toddlers to late elementary age. I give this book five stars.
June 8, 2020
What a lovely, lovely book!
There are some picture book that simply make my heart sing--and this is one of those!
Beautiful, lively, colorful watercolor illustrations transport me back to my childhood, when I spent most of my time playing outdoors. Today's children, engrossed in their screens, miss out the joy of getting dirty in the mud, watching butterflies and insects go about their work, or see the orange smudge of the setting sun.
Written from the point of view of an adorable squirrel who sings a song while children play, this book encourages children to go outside and play and appreciate the beauty of nature. The story features butterflies, birds, insects, turtles, and even earthworms as part of the audience, which enjoys the squirrel's song.
The story is written in rhyming verse and is a delight to read to children. My child learned about a few new creatures--earthworms , woodpeckers, and beetles--from this book.
I found out later that there's a hidden heart on each page--a good idea to introduce a hidden object game. It encourages the child to look at the pictures more deeply and analyze the shapes and colors.
My child asks for the "squirrel story" every day!
Highly recommended if you have young children below the age of 5.
There are some picture book that simply make my heart sing--and this is one of those!
Beautiful, lively, colorful watercolor illustrations transport me back to my childhood, when I spent most of my time playing outdoors. Today's children, engrossed in their screens, miss out the joy of getting dirty in the mud, watching butterflies and insects go about their work, or see the orange smudge of the setting sun.
Written from the point of view of an adorable squirrel who sings a song while children play, this book encourages children to go outside and play and appreciate the beauty of nature. The story features butterflies, birds, insects, turtles, and even earthworms as part of the audience, which enjoys the squirrel's song.
The story is written in rhyming verse and is a delight to read to children. My child learned about a few new creatures--earthworms , woodpeckers, and beetles--from this book.
I found out later that there's a hidden heart on each page--a good idea to introduce a hidden object game. It encourages the child to look at the pictures more deeply and analyze the shapes and colors.
My child asks for the "squirrel story" every day!
Highly recommended if you have young children below the age of 5.
August 2, 2021
I was given a review copy of this children's book and I thought it was charming with lovely illustrations and one way to highlight animals in a fun way.
Not quite as good as Little Mouse's Sweet Treat, it was still nicely done and I'm sure children and parents would appreciate its message.
Not quite as good as Little Mouse's Sweet Treat, it was still nicely done and I'm sure children and parents would appreciate its message.
February 22, 2025
Nature is full of surprises.
I loved how much this tale emphasized the joy of playing outside by showing how much fun it is. Whether that playtime happens in a park, the woods, or a backyard in a quiet neighborhood, there are all sorts of wonderful things to discover outdoors for anyone who is willing to slow down and observe their surroundings for a while. While I don’t want to share any spoilers about what these kids found, this reminded me why I love going out and seeing what I can find in the grass and trees.
The musical subplot was delightful as well. I can’t go into a lot of detail about what sort of music can be found out in nature because of how important it was to the plot, but I liked the way the author described it and could understand where she was coming from. Of course such a thing could be interpreted that way! I will listen more closely to it the next time I’m surrounded by trees and hear something beautiful and thought this was a creative way to explain what might happen when someone spends time outdoors.
The ending was what convinced me to give this a five star rating. As I was reading, I kept wondering why the squirrel was so interested in human children and excited to see them. There is an answer to that question in one of the final pages, and learning what it was only made me a bigger fan of Ms. Hollowell’s work. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
When the Squirrel Sings was magical.
I loved how much this tale emphasized the joy of playing outside by showing how much fun it is. Whether that playtime happens in a park, the woods, or a backyard in a quiet neighborhood, there are all sorts of wonderful things to discover outdoors for anyone who is willing to slow down and observe their surroundings for a while. While I don’t want to share any spoilers about what these kids found, this reminded me why I love going out and seeing what I can find in the grass and trees.
The musical subplot was delightful as well. I can’t go into a lot of detail about what sort of music can be found out in nature because of how important it was to the plot, but I liked the way the author described it and could understand where she was coming from. Of course such a thing could be interpreted that way! I will listen more closely to it the next time I’m surrounded by trees and hear something beautiful and thought this was a creative way to explain what might happen when someone spends time outdoors.
The ending was what convinced me to give this a five star rating. As I was reading, I kept wondering why the squirrel was so interested in human children and excited to see them. There is an answer to that question in one of the final pages, and learning what it was only made me a bigger fan of Ms. Hollowell’s work. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
When the Squirrel Sings was magical.
June 24, 2025
Beautiful illustrations and poetic prose grace every page of this book, creating a magical reading experience. Although it is technically written for children, I find myself captivated by both the story and the artistry. The vivid, imaginative artwork breathes life into each scene, while the lyrical language adds a sense of wonder and depth that transcends age. There’s something timeless and universal in its message, allowing readers of all ages, myself included, to connect with it on a personal level.
February 19, 2022
Such a fun story for the kiddos. Colorful pictures. This was fun book to read!
March 11, 2026
Very charming and cute rhyming story about a squirrel who sings songs every time he sees the child come out to play and all his friends join in and sing with him
The illustrations are beautiful
The illustrations are beautiful
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews