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Scaredy Squirrel #7
Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping
Scaredy Squirrel is exactly the squirrel your child needs--a little bit anxious, a lot adorable, and totally lovable. He likes the safety of his nut tree, but not so much the great outdoors. And he's about to go . . . camping?!
Scaredy Squirrel is cool with camping . . . as long as he can do it from his couch! Who wants to deal with mosquitos, dirt, and wild animals when he can experience nature on his brand-new TV? Except--uh-oh!--first he has to plug it in, which means LEAVING HIS TREE! Luckily, Scaredy's always got a plan. And he doesn't realize he might just explore the great outdoors along the way.
As young listeners see Scaredy face his fears in the silliest of ways, they gain perspective and courage, empowering them to tackle their own worries with a big smile.
Scaredy Squirrel is cool with camping . . . as long as he can do it from his couch! Who wants to deal with mosquitos, dirt, and wild animals when he can experience nature on his brand-new TV? Except--uh-oh!--first he has to plug it in, which means LEAVING HIS TREE! Luckily, Scaredy's always got a plan. And he doesn't realize he might just explore the great outdoors along the way.
As young listeners see Scaredy face his fears in the silliest of ways, they gain perspective and courage, empowering them to tackle their own worries with a big smile.
32 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2013
About the author
Mélanie Watt
56 books302 followersIt 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/...
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/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
March 26, 2015
If you have little ones in your home and have not checked out the Scaredy Squirrel series, get thee to a library. We read these with my nephews when they were younger, and the books sparked much laughter and conversation about what scared this squirrel and how he dealt with his fear, with lots of re-enactment of the "play dead" option. I recently found one we had not read together, and while it is not as good as the earlier ones, it was still fun to read.
December 7, 2018
The neurotic, list-making squirrel whose story began in Mélanie Watt's
Scaredy Squirrel
, and then continued in five subsequent titles, returns here for his seventh adventure. Absolutely unwilling to endure the rigors of camping, from skunks to quicksand, Scaredy Squirrel comes up with a plan that will allow him to enjoy the pleasures of this outdoor activity inside. But when he decides to watch camping shows on television instead of actually camping, he realizes that he will need to plug in his TV, requiring him to make a dangerous journey through the nearby campground to the closest electrical outlet. Will his thorough preparations safeguard him, or will the unexpected blow him off course...?
This being the fictional world of Mélanie Watt, it comes as no surprise to discover that the path to sciurine security never did run smooth, and our hero encounters various obstacles on his journey that force him into a closer contact with the world than he might otherwise wish. As is always the case with Scaredy, this proves revelatory, as he is forced to discover the joys of camping. Of course this in no way implies (nor does it ever) that he has been reformed, or is any less paranoid about the dangers of the larger world. An amusing tale is paired with the usual fun illustrations in Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping, which I would recommend to fans of the character, as well as to any young children who might themselves have some reservations about outdoor activities.
This being the fictional world of Mélanie Watt, it comes as no surprise to discover that the path to sciurine security never did run smooth, and our hero encounters various obstacles on his journey that force him into a closer contact with the world than he might otherwise wish. As is always the case with Scaredy, this proves revelatory, as he is forced to discover the joys of camping. Of course this in no way implies (nor does it ever) that he has been reformed, or is any less paranoid about the dangers of the larger world. An amusing tale is paired with the usual fun illustrations in Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping, which I would recommend to fans of the character, as well as to any young children who might themselves have some reservations about outdoor activities.
July 19, 2013
The Scaredy Squirrel stories are funny, but also point out some important truths. In this adventure, Scaredy needs to plug in an extension cord so he can watch a show about camping on TV, because actually going camping is too much bother. The way he over-prepares for everything applies to this trip, too. He plans his route, he thinks of all the dangers he may find, he packs important supplies... And things go wrong - of course! But Scaredy realizes that some things are worth the bother after all.
This would be a great book to use with students to introduce examples of planning a trip or project. There are all sorts of nonfiction text features to use within the context of this picture book. He uses lists, charts, maps, a schedule, a diagram and captions appear on many items.
Scaredy Squirrel reminds me of other timid characters like Wemberly in Kevin Henkes' Wemberly Worried.
This would be a great book to use with students to introduce examples of planning a trip or project. There are all sorts of nonfiction text features to use within the context of this picture book. He uses lists, charts, maps, a schedule, a diagram and captions appear on many items.
Scaredy Squirrel reminds me of other timid characters like Wemberly in Kevin Henkes' Wemberly Worried.
November 5, 2015
Such efforts Scaredy Squirrel will go through just to stay at home where it's safe! I love that he wants to camp with his TV and so goes into the wilderness to plug in the extension cord. Cute and funny. Great book for fans of silly squirrels.
September 4, 2013
Scaredy Squirrel's take on skunks: "If sprayed, overreact!" That is advice I can take to heart.
April 9, 2022
I love Scaredy Squirrel. I don't think I could love this series more, it's just so freakin' adorable! In this adventure, Scaredy decides he would prefer to watch camping on t.v. rather than actually do it, thank you very much, but he runs into a problem: he needs an electrical outlet to plug the t.v. into. He packs his survival items (tomato juice, bag of cement, a really long extension cord, etc), puts on his outdoor gear (no zippers allowed!), and sets off to the outlet at the other side of the nearby campsite (after some warm-ups and practice runs, of course). After being startled by a penguin (!), Scaredy plays dead for a couple of hours, and ends up enjoying a fun night of camping, realizing that the outdoors are meant to be enjoyed in person. Still, the extension cord does have its uses...
The story is super cute, and the illustrations are so much fun! As someone who also over-prepares for outings, I feel a real kinship with Scaredy, and I think many kids will feel that too. Sometimes things that seem scary turn out to be a lot of fun, if you just pay attention to what's going on around you (a good lesson for anyone).
#ScaredySquirrelGoesCamping #NetGalley
The story is super cute, and the illustrations are so much fun! As someone who also over-prepares for outings, I feel a real kinship with Scaredy, and I think many kids will feel that too. Sometimes things that seem scary turn out to be a lot of fun, if you just pay attention to what's going on around you (a good lesson for anyone).
#ScaredySquirrelGoesCamping #NetGalley
December 3, 2019
This was a cute book.
September 12, 2020
Melanie Watt has always been one of my favorite children's book authors. Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping does not disappoint!!
Scaredy Squirrel shows us that even though some things are scary, it can be worth getting out of your comfort zone to try something new!
I can't wait to see what Scaredy Squirrel will accomplish next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Scaredy Squirrel shows us that even though some things are scary, it can be worth getting out of your comfort zone to try something new!
I can't wait to see what Scaredy Squirrel will accomplish next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read and review this book!
April 7, 2013
Scaredy Squirrel tends to overthink things a little bit, but in the end he's pretty well justified.
In this book, Scaredy Squirrel appreciates the outdoors, but he's afraid of all the dangers it may hold, like the three bears. His solution is to watch the nature channel on TV, but - uh oh! - he has to plug in his TV through an extension cord, which he must guide through the "rugged wilderness!"
This would be great to share with one or two children, kindergarten or older. Kids can help point out how Scaredy Squirrel plans on using everything he packed for his mission, and they can follow him, Family Circus-style through his wilderness. Parents will enjoy seeing all the things that Scaredy Squirrel does, in fact, encounter outdoors. This would be a great choice for a child who has camping in her future but is anxious about what that entails.
Because the narrative isn't particularly linear and some of the pictures have a lot of things going on, I would not recommend this for a storytime with a group of children, but it would do in a pinch. Additionally, most of the fun would be lost on preschoolers, but if your preschooler seems interested in the book, I wouldn't discourage him from picking it out; he may still enjoy the main character's lovable appearance and fondness for s'mores.
In this book, Scaredy Squirrel appreciates the outdoors, but he's afraid of all the dangers it may hold, like the three bears. His solution is to watch the nature channel on TV, but - uh oh! - he has to plug in his TV through an extension cord, which he must guide through the "rugged wilderness!"
This would be great to share with one or two children, kindergarten or older. Kids can help point out how Scaredy Squirrel plans on using everything he packed for his mission, and they can follow him, Family Circus-style through his wilderness. Parents will enjoy seeing all the things that Scaredy Squirrel does, in fact, encounter outdoors. This would be a great choice for a child who has camping in her future but is anxious about what that entails.
Because the narrative isn't particularly linear and some of the pictures have a lot of things going on, I would not recommend this for a storytime with a group of children, but it would do in a pinch. Additionally, most of the fun would be lost on preschoolers, but if your preschooler seems interested in the book, I wouldn't discourage him from picking it out; he may still enjoy the main character's lovable appearance and fondness for s'mores.
March 26, 2013
While I've liked the other titles in the Scaredy Squirrel series, this one didn't make me laugh as much as the others. Scaredy Squirrel would like to enjoy the great outdoors and camping but only from a distance. But plugging in his television requires him to venture through the woods where he encounters a series of challenges. Although he learns his lesson, he returns to his tree with more ideas for camping but no desire to camp outside. The message that "some things are worth the trouble" (unpaged) is a good reminder, of course, but readers will need to have read the earlier titles to understand the references to zippers and unexpected penguins in the forest. The digital illustrations created through Photoshop feature all sorts of scenes from the main character's preparation to venture outside.
April 10, 2013
My kindergartners are "nutty" for Scaredy Squirrel. Only Pete the Cat can compare in their love for him. When this new book came out, I decided to surprise them and wrapped the cover of the book so they couldn't see it. I picked a student to unwrap the package and the crowd went wild! They were so excited to discover a new Scaredy Squirrel! I just love watching them react so lovingly to a book character. I was just as excited as they were to discover a new one.
While SS books sometimes are challenging to share during story time with a large group, Melanie Watt creates a book that is versatile as both a read aloud and a bed time book. You just have to skip a few parts here and there if reading to a large group. "Camping" is just as precious as her other ones, and I am glad she has reverted back to her old formula instead of creating mock chapters as in her Christmas book.
While SS books sometimes are challenging to share during story time with a large group, Melanie Watt creates a book that is versatile as both a read aloud and a bed time book. You just have to skip a few parts here and there if reading to a large group. "Camping" is just as precious as her other ones, and I am glad she has reverted back to her old formula instead of creating mock chapters as in her Christmas book.
May 27, 2016
Scaredy Squirrel is one of my favorite series of books. "Goes Camping" is my Favorite one. It is relly funny. Melanie Watt is the writer of all of the Scaredy Squirrel books. One of my favorite parts is when the beginning says "WARNING! Scaredy Squirrel insists you check your zippers before reading this book.".
February 7, 2015
*** Spoilers ****
I find it funny when he is afraid of things that are nice!
I find it funny when he is afraid of things that are nice!
April 27, 2013
Hysterical--might be my favorite Scaredy yet.
October 16, 2023
This week I read the book titled Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping by Melanie Watts. This book is about a squirrel who wants to watch TV from his nut tree but needs an outlet to plug the TV in and is also scared to go into the campground. Scaredy Squirrel puts on his brave face and goes into the campground. However, he must prepare a plan and think of obstacles he might run into such as mosquitoes, zippers, penguins, quicksand, and the three bears. Will he make it through the campground and find an outlet for his TV? This book is a graphic novel because the authors cartoon-like illustrations go with the graphic novel format. Simple shapes are used to assist the setting such as maps, obstacle courses, tables, symbols, arrows. The frame element of a graphic novel is expressive which are the lines that border the panels. The panel elements are well organized on the pages with a clean with an uncluttered look which makes this book and its images appealing to all readers.
I gave this book four stars because the author breaks down anxiety in a simple and funny way that children would understand. I would use this book in a first or second grade classroom to introduce graphic novels to young children in an interactive way. An activity I would do with this book in my future classroom is sequencing to check for comprehension. I would ask the students to write down or draw a picture of what happened at the beginning, middle, and end of the story for a quick check in about how sequencing relates to graphic novels.
I gave this book four stars because the author breaks down anxiety in a simple and funny way that children would understand. I would use this book in a first or second grade classroom to introduce graphic novels to young children in an interactive way. An activity I would do with this book in my future classroom is sequencing to check for comprehension. I would ask the students to write down or draw a picture of what happened at the beginning, middle, and end of the story for a quick check in about how sequencing relates to graphic novels.
February 12, 2021
You seriously can't go wrong with a Scaredy Squirrel story, and this one's no different!
Scaredy Squirrel likes to stay in his nut tree. That's where it's safe. It's the outside world that is scary and unpredictable...you never know when a fluffy bunny could pop out at you! Unfortunately, Scaredy Squirrel's new TV requires power to work, so Scaredy Squirrel devises a plan to get the tv plugged in, but of course nothing goes as planned, and he must confront his anxieties and possibly make a new friend in order to move forward.
Scaredy Squirrel tales are fantastic because they might be a little bit silly and overdramatic, but they teach even the most anxious of kids that it's ok to be a little bit scared! Plus Mélanie Watt's illustrations are simple, yet hilarious and perfectly demonstrate Scaredy Squirrel's insecurities and elaborate plans.
5 stars!
Scaredy Squirrel likes to stay in his nut tree. That's where it's safe. It's the outside world that is scary and unpredictable...you never know when a fluffy bunny could pop out at you! Unfortunately, Scaredy Squirrel's new TV requires power to work, so Scaredy Squirrel devises a plan to get the tv plugged in, but of course nothing goes as planned, and he must confront his anxieties and possibly make a new friend in order to move forward.
Scaredy Squirrel tales are fantastic because they might be a little bit silly and overdramatic, but they teach even the most anxious of kids that it's ok to be a little bit scared! Plus Mélanie Watt's illustrations are simple, yet hilarious and perfectly demonstrate Scaredy Squirrel's insecurities and elaborate plans.
5 stars!
December 18, 2017
Scaredy Squirrel loves camping!... in front of his TV. But when his new TV needs a better electrical outlet he's going to have to brave the outdoors to get it plugged in. So he prepares in typical Scaredy Squirrel style.
Well, that was unexpected! Of all the things he was preparing for, that was not the one I thought might happen! Another fun adventure with Scaredy Squirrel where he over-plans and over-reacts, but learns a good lesson in the end.
No content issues.
March 1, 2021
In this Scaredy Squirrel book, Scaredy goes camping but is nervous about his adventure ahead because he is used to his comfy couch. Scaredy likes the idea of camping on his couch and watching camping shows but doesn't like the scary things that come with the outdoors like bears, bugs, and quicksand. Scaredy needs to plug in his TV so that means he has to go outdoor and in doing so he makes a plan to survive and end up in the comfort zone. This is a funny book that is filled with checklists, great illustrations, and most importantly no zippers.
June 30, 2021
I have become a sudden fan of Scaredy Squirrel after reading this one with another librarian. We were laugh out loud enjoying it. I had not been drawn to the first book in the series and so will have to go back now and read some of the past ones. Not only is this hilarious but for children who love action and following a trail in the way one would do a count by numbers picture or treasure map...this is perfect. You learn true facts about camping, practice your quick skill of what does not belong in a situation/picture, and laugh through Squirrel's foray attempt into camping. Loved it!
October 26, 2022
I was irrationally worried that the Scaredy Squirrel books would teach my child about anxiety and irrational fears, but that was probably just me projecting.
Scaredy squirrel is afraid of literally everything (like zippers) and an expert over-planner. He’s got the what ifs answered for ALMOST every situation, except the ones he ends up finding himself in. But every time, he manages to become terrified, maybe play dead as a defense mechanism, and somehow still find something to enjoy about his experience.
What I’m saying is that I think scaredy squirrel is my new role model. 🐿💜
Scaredy squirrel is afraid of literally everything (like zippers) and an expert over-planner. He’s got the what ifs answered for ALMOST every situation, except the ones he ends up finding himself in. But every time, he manages to become terrified, maybe play dead as a defense mechanism, and somehow still find something to enjoy about his experience.
What I’m saying is that I think scaredy squirrel is my new role model. 🐿💜
March 10, 2026
Genre: Children's Fiction
Grade Range: Grades K-3
I think this was a very funny book as it shows Scaredy Squirrel facing his fears in a creative way. The story is about him preparing for a camping trip and worrying about all the things that could go wrong, which is relatable for kids who are anxious about new experiences. (Like me!) I liked how Scaredy uses planning and imagination to handle his worries, and the ending is good because everything turns out okay. I think the illustrations and layouts of the pages are super fun too!
Grade Range: Grades K-3
I think this was a very funny book as it shows Scaredy Squirrel facing his fears in a creative way. The story is about him preparing for a camping trip and worrying about all the things that could go wrong, which is relatable for kids who are anxious about new experiences. (Like me!) I liked how Scaredy uses planning and imagination to handle his worries, and the ending is good because everything turns out okay. I think the illustrations and layouts of the pages are super fun too!
March 18, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the digital advance reading copy of this book.
This would be a good book to read to children that have never had the pleasure of camping and may be afraid of the unknown. Scaredy Squirrel does a good job of explaining all of the things that could keep you from camping as well as all the exciting things that can happen when you actually go camping.
This would be a good book to read to children that have never had the pleasure of camping and may be afraid of the unknown. Scaredy Squirrel does a good job of explaining all of the things that could keep you from camping as well as all the exciting things that can happen when you actually go camping.
November 7, 2021
Watching the camping show on TV is enough adventure for a certain anxious squirrel, but it turns out that most oak trees don't have electrical outlets. Will Scaredy's safety precautions be enough to keep him safe until he can get the camping experience he needs?
As usual, the details of Watt's book help it stand out. It's been fun watching Scaredy grow, but I'm sure there will be more books, as there are still a lot more things to be scared of!
As usual, the details of Watt's book help it stand out. It's been fun watching Scaredy grow, but I'm sure there will be more books, as there are still a lot more things to be scared of!
February 5, 2023
This book is about a squirrel who wants to go camping, but is too afraid. Instead, he'll just watch camping on TV, the only problem there is, is he needs an outlet to connect his TV too and it's far from his tree home. So scaredy squirrel sets out on an adventure through the woods, with his camping gear to go find an outlet for his Tv. This book is great for kids to learn about camping trips and the things they need to take with them.
January 20, 2026
We are so proud of you for reading "Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping"! You learned something very important - sometimes the things we are afraid of can actually be fun when we try them. Just like Scaredy Squirrel discovered camping was not so scary, you can be brave and try new things too, even if they feel scary at first. Remember, being brave means doing things even when you feel a little worried. You are such a wonderful reader!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2026
Scaredy Squirrel is at it again and this time it is a camping adventure! I might make my daughter read this again because my kids are always talking about an interest in camping but after even a backyard adventure...I don't know if they are cut out for the great outdoors...at least at night. Either way this was another fun volume that I can highly recommend. Melanie Watt is crafting great stuff with each and every adventure.
December 20, 2016
This, like all Scaredy Squirrel books, is humorous in ways that kids can relate to. Also, the book has many text features (i.e. maps, charts, even tables) that help tell Scaredy Squirrel's story. A very original idea that will get kids comfortable with features that they'll need to use with content texts in their future (i.e. Science, Social Studies, and Math informational texts).
August 6, 2017
This variation on the Scaredy Squirrel books managed to keep things different despite the familiar theme from the first one. The panic map was pretty funny, as well as the extension cord. This was only our second Scaredy Squirrel, though, and I'm not sure how many of these you could read without it feeling repetitive.
November 29, 2018
This book was really good and unique! I love the illustrations and how the author makes it look like a map and an actual survival guide to going camping. I think this book is great for students who may not have an opportunity to go outside and experience nature or who may even be frightened by it. Animal fantasy and is in the 2nd-4th grade range
December 2, 2018
Lower Primary
Animal Fiction
This book was cute! I think young students would enjoy this book, and it's main character Squirrel. I though the book was charming and entertaining. It was an easy read and I really enjoyed the illustrations throughout. The pictures were so well done, and they really did add to the storyline of the book. I think that this would be such a fun book to have in class.
Animal Fiction
This book was cute! I think young students would enjoy this book, and it's main character Squirrel. I though the book was charming and entertaining. It was an easy read and I really enjoyed the illustrations throughout. The pictures were so well done, and they really did add to the storyline of the book. I think that this would be such a fun book to have in class.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews