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NO! Said Custard the Squirrel: A Picture Book
From award-winning creator Sergio Ruzzier, an oddball “squirrel” forges his own path in this comical picture book about being yourself.
Custard the Squirrel, aren’t you a duck?
Will you please quack?
Will you do anything you don’t want to do?
“NO!” said Custard the Squirrel.
From the brilliant mind of author-illustrator Sergio Ruzzier comes this delightfully wacky story about rejecting others’ expectations of who you should be and being unapologetically, authentically you. Simple, universal, and hilarious, this rollicking read-aloud is an ode to free spirits everywhere.
“With its steady repetition, this is practically a how-to manual on patiently combating relentless ignorance. Yet it is as much about believing someone when they tell you who they are as it is a guide for dealing with the rodents of the real world. Soft artwork rendered in pen and ink and watercolor deftly highlight the features and body language of both of the main characters.” — Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
Custard the Squirrel, aren’t you a duck?
Will you please quack?
Will you do anything you don’t want to do?
“NO!” said Custard the Squirrel.
From the brilliant mind of author-illustrator Sergio Ruzzier comes this delightfully wacky story about rejecting others’ expectations of who you should be and being unapologetically, authentically you. Simple, universal, and hilarious, this rollicking read-aloud is an ode to free spirits everywhere.
“With its steady repetition, this is practically a how-to manual on patiently combating relentless ignorance. Yet it is as much about believing someone when they tell you who they are as it is a guide for dealing with the rodents of the real world. Soft artwork rendered in pen and ink and watercolor deftly highlight the features and body language of both of the main characters.” — Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
40 pages, Hardcover
Published September 6, 2022
48 people want to read
About the author
Sergio Ruzzier
78 books105 followersWebsite and blog: http://www.ruzzier.com
Sergio Ruzzier was born in Milan, Italy, in 1966.
He began his career as an illustrator in 1986.
In 1995 he moved to New York City, where he’s been creating pictures and stories for national and international magazines and book publishers.
His work has been awarded by American Illustration, The Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, and The Society of Publication Designers.
He won the Parents' Choice Gold Medal for “The Room of Wonders” and for his illustrations for “Why Mole Shouted."
He was a recipient of the 2011 Sendak Fellowship.
Sergio Ruzzier was born in Milan, Italy, in 1966.
He began his career as an illustrator in 1986.
In 1995 he moved to New York City, where he’s been creating pictures and stories for national and international magazines and book publishers.
His work has been awarded by American Illustration, The Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, and The Society of Publication Designers.
He won the Parents' Choice Gold Medal for “The Room of Wonders” and for his illustrations for “Why Mole Shouted."
He was a recipient of the 2011 Sendak Fellowship.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 26, 2022
It’s all gotta mean something, doesn’t it? That’s the unofficial motto of the American reader. We don’t do so well with uncertainty. It makes us queasy. This is particularly true of the books we read to our children. Now in that case there’s a whole history of how children’s books began as instructional readers packed full of moral lessons. Alphabet books with, “In Adam’s Fall We Sinned All” and all that jazz. And we never really broke away from that type of thinking. We want our picture books instructional, fun (this is a new inclusion), and packed full of the virtues we, personally, find important. We do not like books to simply exist. That’s why picture books published in other countries and brought to the States often have a little difficulty catching on. But once in a while you’ll get someone from outside our borders who throws us for a loop … and it works. Italian Sergio Ruzzier’s career in children’s book publishing has been absolutely fascinating to watch in this respect. Now he’s publishing (not as an import) NO! Said Custard the Squirrel, a picture book with the potential to prove a litmus test to anyone who wishes to imprint upon it their own interpretations of what it might “mean”. I have my theories. Do you have yours?
The very first thing you see in this book are endpapers dotted with squirrels and, amongst them, Custard. Custard looks very much like a duck. Yellow feathers, webbed feet, bill, all that. But right at the get-go Custard walks by a rat in a diaper who asks, peevishly, “Custard the Squirrel, don’t you think Custard the Squirrel is a silly name?” This is a good example of a question that isn’t really a question, and as an answer Custard paints a hanging sign that doubles as the title on the title page. “NO! said Custard the Squirrel”. Undeterred the rat presses Custard further. It immediately asks if Custard is a duck. No. Will Custard swim in the lake? No. Quack? No. What will Custard do then? Will Custard just say no and only no. “Yes!”
A lot to unpack here. Let’s talk more about Sergio Ruzzier. But to do that, we have to talk about how Americans deal with picture books with art from other nations. I well remember working for New York Public Library and serving on an internal book committee with a host of fashionable librarians. As we held up books from other countries one of the librarians said in a pained voice, “I don’t know why I don’t like it. I just don’t like it.” That’s us to a tee, and I am no different. I’ve been to the Bologna Book Fair, cast my eyes upon some marvelously illustrated works, from picture books hailing from Eastern Europe or United Arab Emirates or India, and found myself thinking, “I don’t know why I don’t like it. I just don’t like it.” Some artistic styles translate seamlessly to the American mindset and some do not. And Sergio Ruzzier’s style, when he first moved from Italy to Brooklyn, had to make some subtle changes to fit that already existing mold. Not that he changed all that much. Each of his earliest books had this unique quality unlike anyone else’s. Amandina, the story of a marvelous little dog with golden eyes, was always my pet favorite. As time went on, he expanded into easy books and other stories. He moved back to Italy and I’ve laid in wait all the while for a picture book of his that would baffle me. Enter Custard.
So what does this book mean? I dunno, man. Part of me wants to say it’s a metaphor for trans people who have to deal with busybodies (or worse) who, for whatever reason, cannot keep their noses out of someone else’s life. The diapered rat in this book (that is a diaper, isn’t it?) really oversteps its bounds. It is seriously rude to Custard in a variety of different ways. I mean, it insists that Custard eat greens and swim in a lake and quack. And then here’s Custard taking all this and acting like a pro. Custard may frown from time to time but have you noticed that Custard never gets really upset until (and I can’t blame Custard for this one) the little diapered rat thing asks Custard to lay an egg and you get an eruption of a whole series of no’s. Yet even then the book is defying my interpretation of it. How does Ruzzier end everything? The rat asks Custard if that's all they’ll say. And Custard proclaims loudly and proudly, “Yes!”.
Here's an interesting point to think about as well. Custard is never gendered in the story. Not in the blurbs. Not in the book. Not by the rat. Nothing. And I realized when I started writing this review that I was slipping into this natural assumption that Custard was a boy. The vest, hat, and conspicuous lack of pants all led me in that direction. But upon further reflection, I realized that the name “Custard” isn’t associated with a single gender, and who am I to start making my own assumptions about the squirrel? Seems to me that if Custard has preferred pronouns, I should wait to hear those rather than inflict my own. It’s the least I can do.
For me, the whole book boils down to those scant remaining pages. The rat, interestingly enough, gets increasingly distraught as Custard turns down its requests. By the time it’s asking Custard the last request, it’s finally using the word “please”. “Custard the Squirrel can you please lay an egg?” But Custard doesn’t owe this rat anything. Even so, I think the diaper indicates that maybe this is a young rat and maybe it just simply doesn’t know any better. It’s been handed a set of rules on how to live in this world and here’s Custard just upsetting the apple cart (if you will). And I think Custard understands this and sympathizes on some level. After all, the last images of the book are of Custard playing with the rat and tossing it up into the air. This suggests a kind of parent/child relationship at work. Maybe the rat’s not a jerk at all. Maybe it’s more like it’s a small kid who thinks they know everything there is to know and Custard’s very existence is calling that belief into question.
As you can see, there are any number of directions to take this book. It’s sort of the whole reason I love it, if I’m going to be honest. Not that I’m not charmed by Ruzzier’s art and style. It’s set in sort of the same place that his Fox & Chick easy reader series takes place. Blue skies with clouds. Rolling green hills. The occasional destroyed monument in the background. But the gentle weirdness of the story gives the whole book just that little extra added kick you need in a great picture book. And like many great picture books, you can read into No! said Custard the Squirrel the interpretation that means the most to you. It’s beautiful and fun, a little weird, and certainly not like any other picture book out there. In other words, an original.
The very first thing you see in this book are endpapers dotted with squirrels and, amongst them, Custard. Custard looks very much like a duck. Yellow feathers, webbed feet, bill, all that. But right at the get-go Custard walks by a rat in a diaper who asks, peevishly, “Custard the Squirrel, don’t you think Custard the Squirrel is a silly name?” This is a good example of a question that isn’t really a question, and as an answer Custard paints a hanging sign that doubles as the title on the title page. “NO! said Custard the Squirrel”. Undeterred the rat presses Custard further. It immediately asks if Custard is a duck. No. Will Custard swim in the lake? No. Quack? No. What will Custard do then? Will Custard just say no and only no. “Yes!”
A lot to unpack here. Let’s talk more about Sergio Ruzzier. But to do that, we have to talk about how Americans deal with picture books with art from other nations. I well remember working for New York Public Library and serving on an internal book committee with a host of fashionable librarians. As we held up books from other countries one of the librarians said in a pained voice, “I don’t know why I don’t like it. I just don’t like it.” That’s us to a tee, and I am no different. I’ve been to the Bologna Book Fair, cast my eyes upon some marvelously illustrated works, from picture books hailing from Eastern Europe or United Arab Emirates or India, and found myself thinking, “I don’t know why I don’t like it. I just don’t like it.” Some artistic styles translate seamlessly to the American mindset and some do not. And Sergio Ruzzier’s style, when he first moved from Italy to Brooklyn, had to make some subtle changes to fit that already existing mold. Not that he changed all that much. Each of his earliest books had this unique quality unlike anyone else’s. Amandina, the story of a marvelous little dog with golden eyes, was always my pet favorite. As time went on, he expanded into easy books and other stories. He moved back to Italy and I’ve laid in wait all the while for a picture book of his that would baffle me. Enter Custard.
So what does this book mean? I dunno, man. Part of me wants to say it’s a metaphor for trans people who have to deal with busybodies (or worse) who, for whatever reason, cannot keep their noses out of someone else’s life. The diapered rat in this book (that is a diaper, isn’t it?) really oversteps its bounds. It is seriously rude to Custard in a variety of different ways. I mean, it insists that Custard eat greens and swim in a lake and quack. And then here’s Custard taking all this and acting like a pro. Custard may frown from time to time but have you noticed that Custard never gets really upset until (and I can’t blame Custard for this one) the little diapered rat thing asks Custard to lay an egg and you get an eruption of a whole series of no’s. Yet even then the book is defying my interpretation of it. How does Ruzzier end everything? The rat asks Custard if that's all they’ll say. And Custard proclaims loudly and proudly, “Yes!”.
Here's an interesting point to think about as well. Custard is never gendered in the story. Not in the blurbs. Not in the book. Not by the rat. Nothing. And I realized when I started writing this review that I was slipping into this natural assumption that Custard was a boy. The vest, hat, and conspicuous lack of pants all led me in that direction. But upon further reflection, I realized that the name “Custard” isn’t associated with a single gender, and who am I to start making my own assumptions about the squirrel? Seems to me that if Custard has preferred pronouns, I should wait to hear those rather than inflict my own. It’s the least I can do.
For me, the whole book boils down to those scant remaining pages. The rat, interestingly enough, gets increasingly distraught as Custard turns down its requests. By the time it’s asking Custard the last request, it’s finally using the word “please”. “Custard the Squirrel can you please lay an egg?” But Custard doesn’t owe this rat anything. Even so, I think the diaper indicates that maybe this is a young rat and maybe it just simply doesn’t know any better. It’s been handed a set of rules on how to live in this world and here’s Custard just upsetting the apple cart (if you will). And I think Custard understands this and sympathizes on some level. After all, the last images of the book are of Custard playing with the rat and tossing it up into the air. This suggests a kind of parent/child relationship at work. Maybe the rat’s not a jerk at all. Maybe it’s more like it’s a small kid who thinks they know everything there is to know and Custard’s very existence is calling that belief into question.
As you can see, there are any number of directions to take this book. It’s sort of the whole reason I love it, if I’m going to be honest. Not that I’m not charmed by Ruzzier’s art and style. It’s set in sort of the same place that his Fox & Chick easy reader series takes place. Blue skies with clouds. Rolling green hills. The occasional destroyed monument in the background. But the gentle weirdness of the story gives the whole book just that little extra added kick you need in a great picture book. And like many great picture books, you can read into No! said Custard the Squirrel the interpretation that means the most to you. It’s beautiful and fun, a little weird, and certainly not like any other picture book out there. In other words, an original.
January 25, 2023
As someone who has just a bit of Custard the Squirrel lodged deep into my soul, I really enjoyed this. There is something joyful and satisfying in taking someone's assumptions about oneself and completely rejecting them. And Custard the Squirrel does this over and over again, gleefully embracing the fact that no stereotype, no judgement will take root here. There is no explanation offered, just simple and consistent doing one's own thing.
Custard the Squirrel does not have a specified gender.
Custard the Squirrel does not have a specified gender.
January 3, 2023
"Custard the Squirrel" looks an awful lot like a duck, which an annoyed rat is quick to point out. Rat keeps telling "Custard the Squirrel" to do and say duckish things, and "Custard the Squirrel" keeps saying "No!" On one level, toddlers will love the opportunity to say "No!" along with "Custard the Squirrel". On another level, this is a story about standing up to peer pressure. And on yet another level, this is about being transgender. I would use this for a "Yes/No" opposites themed storytime.
Unsurprisingly, this interesting, subtle, multi-layered book is by a European author.
Unsurprisingly, this interesting, subtle, multi-layered book is by a European author.
August 15, 2023
If someone identifies as a squirrel, why can't the diapered rodents of the world simply accept that? With its message gently folded in, this book is hilarious and perfect for reading aloud.
October 21, 2022
A mouse asks Custard the Squirrel different things, but Custard the Squirrel says no every single time until the last question. Custard the Squirrel always does something close to what the mouse asks, but it's not quite the same thing. Just a silly goofy story that captures how kids (and adults) can be so stubborn. This would be a great storytime book because the audience can repeat "no" alongside Custard the Squirrel. I want more books that are just silly! And more books that aren't so wordy and make for good storytime/read aloud books!
January 23, 2023
There is a phrase commonly used in adult discourse:
"If it looks like a duck, swims likes a duck, and quacks like a duck - then it probably is a duck!"
I am 100% sure that Mr. Ruzzier was aware of this proverbial phrase when he created this book.
And therefore this book - showing a duck - with all the features of a duck - but who is unwilling to describe himself as a duck - is Mr. Ruzzier's presentation of his opinion about transgender issues.
I wonder how parents will answer their children's questions about the duck in this book.
I wish them luck.
"If it looks like a duck, swims likes a duck, and quacks like a duck - then it probably is a duck!"
I am 100% sure that Mr. Ruzzier was aware of this proverbial phrase when he created this book.
And therefore this book - showing a duck - with all the features of a duck - but who is unwilling to describe himself as a duck - is Mr. Ruzzier's presentation of his opinion about transgender issues.
I wonder how parents will answer their children's questions about the duck in this book.
I wish them luck.
December 4, 2023
Ruzzier is a terrific author and illustrator, however this is not one of my faves of his.
Custard the squirrel looks like a duck and acts like...well, himself/theirself. Unfortunately, the conversation between Custard the squirrel and his friend, mouse, are too limited and vague to make much sense. The lesson is to respect boundaries when it comes to others identities, but will likely be lost on toddlers/preK kids this book is aimed at.
Themes: boundaries, identity
Ages: toddler-PreK (?)
Pub year: 2022
Custard the squirrel looks like a duck and acts like...well, himself/theirself. Unfortunately, the conversation between Custard the squirrel and his friend, mouse, are too limited and vague to make much sense. The lesson is to respect boundaries when it comes to others identities, but will likely be lost on toddlers/preK kids this book is aimed at.
Themes: boundaries, identity
Ages: toddler-PreK (?)
Pub year: 2022
November 12, 2022
Clearly a duck not a squirrel, the mouse asks the duck (named "Custard the Squirrel") to behave as a duck: will you eat weeds, lay an egg, and swim in the pond. But to each of these requests to behave as a duck, Custard the Squirrel refuses, answering, "No!" to each request. The only affirmative response Custard will give is to the question, "Do you only answer, 'No'?" A fun way to approach the topic of labels and conformity.
September 23, 2022
Custard the Squirrel may look like a duck - but they will assure you that they are not. Even when a certain mouse tries to convince them to do all things duck-ish. If you have a little one in your life that loves to say "NO!" - this would be a great book to share with them. I am a huge fan of Ruzzier's illustrations - they always make me smile. Custard is no exception.
December 18, 2022
Are you sure Custard the Squirrel is really a squirrel? Custard is sure they are.
Something for slightly older children, who appreciate puns and subtle visual jokes.
It reminds me of Yellow Bird, Black Spider.
Something for slightly older children, who appreciate puns and subtle visual jokes.
It reminds me of Yellow Bird, Black Spider.
December 29, 2022
This one grew on me after a couple readings. At first I thought it was just a silly story but then I read a review that thought it could be interpreted as a transgender not wanting to be put in certain categories with wrong pronouns. Now I’m wondering how that didn’t occur to me when I first read it. But it also works as just a silly story.
November 4, 2022
Simple, silly story about a duck who refuses to conform to others' expectations of what he should do and enjoy. It's fun, but I don't think this one is up to the high bar set by some of this author's other titles.
November 5, 2022
I liked this quirky book about a duck who calls himself a squirrel much to the dismay of his little mouse friend who keeps trying to convince him he's a duck. The duck's sheer determination not to be or do anything he doesn't want to reminds me of all 5 of my determined, independent children...
February 6, 2023
I didn’t love it. I feel like this story would be confusing for little ones and would require a ton of explanation. This is not one that I would choose to read in a school or library setting. I would leave this one up to parents to decide to read or not.
March 5, 2023
My two year old grabbed this book at the library. I almost put it back but I’m glad I didn’t. She loved this book so much. Very silly and she found the end to be hilarious. The art wasn’t my favorite style but my kiddo adored it and we had to read it every night before bed for a week!
Read
October 3, 2023Custard the squirrel (who kids will quickly point out is actually a duck) answers "no" to all the questions his friend asks him until the end of the story. The silliness of this story might elicit some giggles.
November 8, 2023
A rat talks to a duck who thinks himself to be a squirrel. Everything the rat suggests the duck do is something natural for a duck, such as quack, lay an egg, swim, but Custard the Squirrel (who is really a duck) says NO! Cute ending and illustrations.
July 18, 2022
Made me giggle.
October 9, 2022
A hilariously wacky story about rejecting others' expectations of who you should be and being unapologetically, authentically you.
Read
October 17, 2022funny obstinate romp
October 28, 2022
Perfect for those 2 year olds that love to say no
December 20, 2022
Bizarre (and not in a good way).
Read
January 18, 2023I’m going to be thinking about this one for a long time…
January 29, 2023
It's interesting and fun and will make you smile! An unusual but entertaining picture book that I think children will love.
February 15, 2023
Custard is barged with questions because he looks like a duck and doesn't o things ducks do.
No and yes are the only words he speaks in the book.
No and yes are the only words he speaks in the book.
August 21, 2023
I gave Sergio a second chance. He continued to disappoint me. This offering features a "squirrel" that looks suspiciously like a duck. Skip this one.
January 24, 2024
Hilarious, situations/action, narrative pathologically ends with the main point!
January 25, 2024
I absolutely love these illustrations
February 16, 2024
A duck who calls himself Custard the squirrel only answers with the world no. Preschool and up
March 14, 2024
Cute, quick, nice illustrations. Add a little vocal flare to the story and it could be a lot of fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews