Skunk and Badger
(Skunk and Badger #1)

When Skunk barges into Badger's quiet brownstone, readers sympathize with the scholarly, solitary Badger, who spends his days doing "Important Rock Work." Skunk toys idly with Badger's treasured tools, and he seems bent on staying--but why? A letter from Badger's Aunt Luna, the building's owner, answers the question: "What would you think of Skunk moving into the brownstone?" Faced with an unwanted housemate, Badger must learn to live with--and learn from--Skunk's warm, chaotic presence, especially his willingness to extend hospitality to the neighborhood's chickens. Occasional art by Caldecott Medalist Klassen offers Wind in the Willows wistfulness. Gleeful, onomatopoeic prose by Newbery Honoree Timberlake, meanwhile, keeps readers engaged through laugh-out-loud repetition as she tackles sensitive issues such as elitism, exclusivity, and even science cited for nefarious purposes: "You're a skunk. I am a badger. We are not family." Frog and Toad-like in nuance and tenor, this is no old-fashioned story in which Skunk charms Badger and thaws his frozen heart. Badger is in a privileged position, and his refusal to share what he has and to protect Skunk and his guests has a deep and timely significance--one rendered with an expertly light touch. Ages 8-12. Agent (for Timberlake and Klassen): Steven Malk, Writers House. (Sept.)

Gr 2-5--Badger is a quiet, solitary geologist intent on his important rock work. Skunk is an outgoing, friendly, unwelcome new roommate. They have nothing in common. Aunt Lula must have been crazy to suggest it--this is never going to work out. But, the more time they spend together, the more they learn about each other. Maybe they have more in common than they realized, and maybe being roommates is just what they both needed. And who knew chickens were such conversationalists and story lovers? In a classic odd-couple pairing, Badger and Skunk show how opposites attract and that making friends means opening yourself up to possibilities. Finding the things that we share is much harder than seeing the ways we are different. Badger is a bit testy and grumpy, while Skunk is prone to leap before he looks--but together they are a fun duo who complement each other. Clear themes of tolerance, friendship, and understanding drive the story in a way that children will respond to. The subtle nod to unemployment and potential homelessness that begins the story provides opportunities to expand learning and compassion. VERDICT Overall, a sweet unlikely friendship story that would be a welcome addition to any elementary or public library.--Elizabeth Speer, Weatherford Coll., TX