Bird & Squirrel All or Nothing

Bird & Squirrel #6

by James Burks

The dangerous Horned Toad 500 cross-country race is coming up and Bird's father has always won it. But when his dad gets injured, Bird reluctantly joins the race to save the family honor. While dealing with the scorching desert heat and dirty tricks from another team, Bird and Squirrel are put to the ultimate test of endurance and sportsmanship. Along the way, the duo learns that, win or lose, having good friends and family will always get you to the finish line.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Childrens, Humor, Graphic Novels Comics, Juvenile, Fiction

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 21, 2020

About the author

I've worked as an artist in the animation industry for companies like Disney, Warner Brothers, and Nickelodeon. Projects I've worked on include the Emperor's New Groove, Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Space Jam, the Iron Giant and the television shows, Wow Wow Wubbzy, Ni-hao Kai-lan, the Dinosaur Train and most recently on Cartoon Network's PowerPuff Girls.

I also write and illustrate my own books including the Graphix graphic novel series Bird and Squirrel, and Agent 9.

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bird & Squirrel are back on the road for the Horned Toad 500 Cross-Country Race. Squirrel tries to surprise Bird, but when they get there it is clear that Bird has a history with the race. There is a Bird Family legacy on the line. While Bird struggles with the expectations of his dad, Squirrel wants to win the race for Bird. As the competition heats up, the Bird & Squirrel team realizes what it means to be a good sport vs. a bad sport. Could it be that winning is not the most important thing? Love the teamwork and healthy messages about competition that come through the colorful, zany adventure of Bird & Squirrel.

[Theresa Grissom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of the Bird & Squirrel series. I enjoyed this latest installment. Bird and Squirrel are awesome, lovable characters and the students at school just love this series too.

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bird seems out of sorts, so Squirrel decides to cheer him up. Finding an ad for a race in Bird's house, Squirrel decides to surprise him by taking him to participate in The Hornedtoad 500. What Squirrel doesn't realize is that Bird has a history with the race. And for once, the daredevil has no desire to participate in a crazy adventure. Squirrel is worried. What is wrong with his friend? And if Bird can snap out of it, does Squirrel even want to participate in this crazy race?

This was hilarious. I was reading this after my husband fell asleep and had the hardest time stifling my laughter so I wouldn't wake him. It may be the funniest Bird & Squirrel yet. It's funny at first as their roles are reversed. And then there are some funny characters introduced. And then watching Squirrel through death-defying situations during the race is super funny. I loved the way the race endedBird & Squirrel save their nemeses in the race from harm instead of winning, and the racing pair that had a great attitude about just having fun in the race and helping others throughout wins instead, and how Bird and his father end things Bird felt super pressured to be a champion like his father and numerous generations in this race which is why he was reluctant to participate, but in the end his father is proud of him rescuing others over winning and apologizes for the pressure he put on him to win. Super highly recommended to anyone. It's got great messages and is super funny.

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Perilous situations faced, but no one is seriously injured.

[Darinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 6th comic in the Bird & Squirrel series. Bird and Squirrel participate in a big race. A fun adventure for kids.

[Harrison Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending is heartwarming because bird’s dad is finally proud of him

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this year of years winds down, there are stacks of books to still be highlighted and one very large stack to be read before the 2021 releases are embraced. Books in a series are beloved by many a reader. We crave a return to characters we love. We desire to visit settings where we wish we could walk. We laugh at the silliness, we thrill at the adventures, and we sigh at the touching sweetness.

This year there was an abundance of series continuations and some promising new series beginnings (and one single title). A favorite of numerous readers is the hilarity found in the friendship of a homebody tree dweller and a feathered adventurer. The first book in this graphic novel series, Bird & Squirrel On The Run! hooked readers immediately. Each of the following books, Bird & Squirrel On Ice, Bird & Squirrel On The Edge!, Bird & Squirrel On Fire, and Bird & Squirrel All Tangled Up deliver exactly what readers need: strong bonds of friendship from unlikely characters engaging in non-stop action adventures brimming with high-octane emotions and loads of laughter. The sixth book, Bird & Squirrel All or Nothing (Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic Inc., April 21, 2020) written and illustrated by James Burks, takes the duo to the desert where they tackle the Horned Toad 500, a grueling race. Bird is under pressure to uphold a family legacy. Squirrel wants to be anywhere but in a desert, but, he loves his friend.


My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colorful and kinetic adventure featuring the duo's entry into a hazard-filled desert race. Nickelodeon-style humor and action with a nice message about sportsmanship and integrity at the story's conclusion.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

adventure!!

[Abhinav · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was good and funny and in this book bird had daddy issues LOL ( . _ . )

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are such good books. The reading level is very easy, the art work captivating. My 2 grandchildren love these books and can't wait for the next one. This is #6 in the series. The two themes are: being a friend through thick and thin and winning isn't everything.

I like the contrast between Garoo and Crow (win at any cost, step on others to achieve your goal) and Tort and Chicken (who run the race every year for the fun of it, stopping to help others).

And the ending reconciliation between Father and Son is wonderful. They respect each other even though they are very different.

I can't wait for the next one in the series.

[Isa Mangal · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 6 year old son absolutely loves these books. Compared to a lot of graphic novels they are pretty gentle but occasionally some of the characters get hurt and there are a few times “stupid” or “dumb” is used. The two main characters are always being chased by an adversary which might be scary for some younger children. My son is very sensitive to scary and hasn’t had a problem with any in the series.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this. I haven't read many in the series, so I was surprised to find a substantial examination of the relationship between bird and his father (it reminded me of the shockingly deep Dog Man book- For Whom the Ball Rolls). A lot of deadpan, dry humor, which I like, and the dynamic between the two title characters is quite satisfying.

[emyrose8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gahhh! There’s another book! I had no idea this was coming but. Same old Bird and Squirrel. It’s good to be back. This time Bird needs a pick me up and Squirrel knows just how to do it. Except the surprise doesn’t go as planned...

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book about best friends Bird & Squirrel, where we are introduced to Bird’s dad and the legacy he is expected to live up to. This books is just as good if not better than the ones before it. Read this with my 8 year old, who laughed and loved it. Can’t wait for the next one!!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t get enough of Torti. <3

This graphic novel series is so unbeatable for any elementary-aged kids!

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I should have known one of our most popular graphic novels (Bird & Squirrel) would be a great read! Yes, I was told more than one time I should read one myself. I finally decided to check one out from my public library myself and see what I thought of it for myself. I absolutely adored this book! It kept my interest, was kid friendly and best of all showed that winning is not the most important thing in life. Amazing art, dialogue and plot! Highly recommend!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read one of these in a while because I recalled not being a huge fan of the first one, but this was much more entertaining than I remembered. I especially liked the hint of an old fable foreshadowing the outcome from the beginning. There are multiple good lessons along the way as well, like: not basing your self-worth on someone else's opinion, kindness is better than winning, and good friends stick together no matter what.

[Susan]

I love Bird and Squirrel! In this one, they attempt to win a dangerous desert race...and learn about what it means to be a true champion (hint: has nothing to do with trophies). Fun, funny, sweet.

My kiddo read this one TO me, which is also always THE BEST.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny

[Allison Renner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought some new graphic novels for the school library, and wanted to read them first. Bird and Squirrel are a hit with my students, so I can’t wait for them to read this one! It was funny but also had a great message about always trying your best, but also being a good person.

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instead of peer pressure, "dad pressure."

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kid loves these books and was laughing out loud at this one. It's a charming story about friendship and family starring an odd couple-esque Bird and Squirrel.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment of the series! I love these two characters and actually laughed out loud while reading this one. I know this will be hard to keep on my library shelves of my classroom. So good.

[raccoon reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything good in the world is wrapped up in Bird and Squirrel books.

And the stark reality and anxiety that Squirrel brings to the books allows me to laugh at all the dark stuff that I love laughing at without feeling like a weirdo. For instance his "Well, our flesh is going to rot off our bones and we'll die down here" speech is terrific! Spoken like a true anxious realist. I totes relate.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love Bird and Squirrel!

[Mary T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one I didn't care for as much because of all the negative self-talk and negative parent talk, although there were some redeeming qualities, and it did depict some very real situations in a kid-friendly way. I think we're all caught up in the series now! It's been great! (it definitely grew on me -- I liked #3-#6 more than the first two).

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun Bird and Squirrel. And one that I didn't realize I hadn't read until I picked up book #7. I liked that this was a bit of an origin story for Bird.

As always, things move quickly and the artwork is lovely. And there was a bit of emotional development of the characters to boot.

Definitely a good addition to the series.

[Corina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kids are really into this series. I have not read many of them, but a recent sick kid on the couch wanted me to read aloud, and I was pleasantly surprised. Silly hijinks, bright colors, and lots of action with some great overall messaging (integrity over winning, friendship) and a sweet ending.

[Samantha Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading this series with my 8yo before bed. She tried to get me to stop in the middle of this one and read another because she finished it without me, and I said no way. 😂 Bird and Squirrel are the best.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

This was a solid book in the series but for some reason, it's just not my favorite. I liked that Squirrel was helping Bird be brave for a change and I really liked the message at the end. But I think I missed Birdie haha