Better Together!

PreS-Gr 1--A thunderstorm sends Mrs. Squirrelly and her children, Beck and Fern, and Mr. McMunk and his children, Peanut and Sam, to seek shelter in the same hollow tree. At first, the squirrel and chipmunk children enjoy having more kids to play with and having someone that shares their interest. Soon after, conflict arises and everyone starts getting on one another's nerves. They miss their old homes and wish things were back to the way they were before they came to the hollow tree. Mrs. Squirrelly and Mr. McMunk do their best to mediate the situation to no avail. Once the storm stops, and both families return to their respective homes, the children realize they miss their lives together; they all decide to become one big happy family. The art style of this picture book is unique and appears to be a blend of textures and mediums, acting as a perfect background to a story about a blended family. Families facing similar circumstances will appreciate having this book available to help them talk through the situation with one another. VERDICT A helpful reminder for the picture book audience that there are many definitions of family, this is a beneficial and eye-opening recommended purchase.--Myiesha Speight, formerly at Towson Univ., Baltimore