Staff Review: "Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping" by Melanie Watt

Everyone's favorite agoraphobic squirrel is back, and this time he has a yearning for the outdoors. Well, at least to watch the outdoors on television. Because who would willingly risk a frightening encounter with a penguin or even the three bears? Certainly not Scaredy Squirrel in his latest book, "Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping" by Melanie Watt.

Oh the horror! In order to watch camping shows on TV, Scaredy Squirrel has to make a dangerous journey through a campground to get to the nearest electrical outlet. As always, he identifies the top dangers (mosquitoes, quicksand, skunk), prepares his backup plan (Popsicles, oatmeal, tomato juice), and commences training exercises. When Scaredy leaves his tree on his perilous mission, he inevitably encounters one of his fears, only to find it completely unfounded. In the end, our favorite squirrel begins to understand why camping is a beloved activity. He even incorporates some of his new-found love at home!

Full of silliness and marshmallows, "Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping" is the perfect read for young (and older!) campers everywhere. Great for the pre-school set on up.

Andrea W., H.Q.