Never Trust a Squirrel

Sure that life outside his little hutch is lots more fun, young William the guinea pig decides to take up Stella the squirrel's invitation to come out and play, but he soon discovers that the woods are scary and squirrels unreliable.

PreSchool-Grade 2-William, a young guinea pig, longs to experience the world outside his secure hut. Stella the squirrel's invitation to explore is more tempting than his mother's stern warnings of danger, so off he goes. He soon finds himself abandoned by Stella and pursued by a hungry fox. Thanks to his mother, the young guinea pig eventually ends up safe at home. It is difficult to determine the purpose of this book. It doesn't work as a story of adventure and danger as the stilted narration does not create a sense of excitement. Likewise, the colorful, blossom-filled paintings, both pretty and precious, depict an idyllic setting rather than an ominous one. William is adorable, Stella is nasty, but the fox looks more mild-mannered than threatening. Children will sympathize with William's need to test the limits. However, the final message, "Never trust a squirrel," is confusing. It may suggest that it is wrong to trust anyone different from you or that it is best to stay with your own kind. It also sends a questionable message about taking responsibility for one's own actions.
Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
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