The Raggedy Red Squirrel

A look at the behavior and activities of a squirrel follows one little creature called Raggedy Red Squirrel as he gathers spruce cones and leaf buds, builds a nest in an empty birdhouse, and more.

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- This photodocumentary captures the behavior of a North American red squirrel as she feeds, builds a nest, raises her family, and shares territory with a gray squirrel. The format is similar to that of Ryden's The Wild Colt (Coward, 1972; o.p.) with its large print and a full-color photograph per page. The clear pictures show some delightful closeups of the mother struggling to keep her babies from falling from their birdhouse home and of the babies first venturing out onto tree branches. Although the text is slightly anthropomorphic in tone, ascribing feeling such as being annoyed, angry, and enraged in specific situations, a balance is maintained by the use of facts about squirrels and by the photographs. This works to make the book more personal for young children, who often see and hear these creatures in their own backyards. The final page offers more information for older readers and adults sharing the book with a young audience. Most libraries will find this to be a useful addition for their animal collections alongside Lane's The Squirrel (Dial, 1981), illustrated by Kenneth Lilly. --Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

By the author of Wild Animals of Africa ABC (1989), another attractive nature book with outstanding photos. In her own backyard, the author captures charming shots of a red squirrel (smaller cousin of the familiar gray) hunting for food, raiding a birdfeeder, and raising a pair of babies in a birdhouse. Ryden's photos are delightful: crystal clear, colorful, action-filled, and often humorous. Shots of the babies, newly emerged from the birdhouse and sliding down the pitched roof, are wonderfully Chaplinesque. The brief text follows the squirrel from spring to fall; an afterword adds a few more facts. (Nonfiction. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.