cbr13bingo Landscape (you can see the lake if you look carefully)
Skunk and Badger #2 Egg Marks the Spot by Amy Timberlake is most likely even better than the first! Our heroes, Skunk (sweet, a bit naïve, passionate, a tad inconsiderate) and Badger (gruff, scientific, hungry, a good guy) decide to take off on an adventure to replace Badger’s missing rock in his collection. Skunk leads with his heart like he always does while packing; Badger takes on the task with common sense. But both will enjoy the mysterious adventures they find themselves in.
And one of those adventures includes a tiny orange chicken, a special egg, a chicken whistle, and wharf rats. Not to mention food will be eaten, feathers will fly, and rocks will be found. Treasure will come in all shapes, sizes, colors and will surprise you. Through this seemingly innocent camping trip, we learn more of the past of our two main characters. Also, Skunk will tie in the “real world/human world” information with the world of Skunk and Badger.
New and old friends (along with a cousin of Badger’s) come together in this journey of what it means to be friends, be a serious rock scientist and step outside your comfort zone. This book is if Wind in the Willows meets Sherlock Holmes/Dr. Watson and Frog and Toad. There is classic language and tone but also with a contemporary attitude. Jon Klassen’s illustrations are a combination of being both crowded, busy, overwhelming, and simplistic all at once. They are modern and classically old school. They are fun, serious and the colors are muted. The old-fashion elements are cozy, warm, and relaxing. I am also assuming there might be some black and white illustrations added, but as this was a reader copy (this gem is due in September 2021), I cannot say for sure.
Ages 10 to 13 would be best solo readers, you can read to younger, but there is some “Indian Jones-like” adventure/thriller in a few places that might not work for the very young listener, however.