Friendship slot for cbr12bingo done
Skunk and Badger (book one of a planned at least trilogy) are The Really Odd Couple. I have no doubt that the others are going to keep this interesting new Buddy Series on its toes!
Amy Timberlake created a book that has an old school/old world feeling to it. I thought of Frog and Toad and Wind in the Willows while reading it. The story behind getting my copy of this due in September book, is a slightly odd one. It seems a while ago, I put in a request for a reader copy. And quickly forgot about it. A few days ago, I receive an email from the rep saying if I liked the book would I consider reviewing it for the independent bookstore newsletter (all independent booksellers can submit, not all are chosen. But, of course, if they like your review, it can be used. Or they take into consideration ten people liked/reviewed the book so they will add the best one). Thing is, I did not remember getting a copy. Then, I went to pick up items for a part of my job and a package was there, too. It was the book. I figured I would not read it right away as the cover art was slightly off-putting at that moment in time. Yet, later I wanted to read, was not in the mood for anything heavy and it was the closet to me book.
I finished it a few hours later (only stopping to watch a commercial or two on TV, answer a few texts and a take a few “mercy breaks.”). What we had was a Badger who lives alone in his aunt’s house. He is the typical grumpy bachelor and has set the house up to fit his Rock Scientist needs. He keeps mentioning he has some letters from his Aunt he has not read. Then a knock on the door. A Skunk is standing there. First thinking him a door-to-door sales skunk, Badger shuts the door on him. But when it becomes clear Skunk is not leaving, Badger opens the door to learn that Skunk is his new roomie (and learns to read his Aunts letters more quickly). Of course, bumps, bruises, several hundred chickens, a spraying and harsh words later, our two unlikely friends find that being roommates could be just what the aunt ordered.
Jon Klassen’s art is scattered in the book. A few thumbnails at starts of chapters and a few images in a chapter highlighting a section. This helps breakup up things to keep the slower pace of the story going. While not for the active child, the one who will sit and take the time to read (ages 7 to 10) can find a good time. It also would make for a fun read aloud by doing a chapter or two a night.
