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Description
The first title in a warm and witty illustrated chapter-book series from Newbery Honor–winner Amy Timberlake and superstar illustrator Jon Klassen, about a pair of unlikely animal friends
Analytical and set in his ways, Badger is taken aback when jolly, easygoing Skunk rings the doorbell to announce he’s Badger’s new roommate. (Badger may have been ignoring his landlord Aunt Lula’s letters . . . ) But as Badger begrudgingly opens up his home—and heart—to Skunk and his unconventional ways, the two characters become irrevocably changed by each other, establishing an odd-couple friendship that is timeless and real.
Set in a brownstone in a town that evokes a slightly-more-urban Hundred Acre Wood, the story is part Wind in the Willows, part Wallace and Gromit. Filled with a delightful population of chickens, sheep, stoats, hedgehogs, voles and philosophical musings, it establishes the perfect scenario for illustrations by Caldecott Medal–winner (This Is Not My Hat) and Honor illustrator (Extra Yarn, Sam and Dave Dig a Hole) Jon Klassen.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 8 to 12
- Grade:
- 3 to 7
Awards
- , CBC Best Book of the Year
- , Indigo Best Books of the Year
Editorial Review
"A treasure of a book that promises future misadventures from your new favorite odd couple." — Booklist (starred review)
"A splendid entry in the odd-couple genre, Timberlake’s spunky series opener posits that compassion and inner transformation can strengthen the unlikeliest of friendships. . . . Klassen’s muted, wistful artwork, meanwhile, invokes sweeping sentiments during key events. Exceptionally sweet." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"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." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“As soon as I finished my first reading of this 126-page book I went back to page 1 and started over again for sheer pleasure. I’ve now read the book (including the author’s acknowledgements at the end) six times and have every intention of doing so again while I wait for the second book in the series.” — Montreal Gazette
“Timberlake’s slyly humorous story of friendship and misunderstandings is reminiscent in tone of both Winnie the Pooh and Wallace and Gromit. The writing is clever and perceptive (think Kate DiCamillo), and Timberlake never writes down to her audience…. Klassen’s charming black and white drawings appear throughout the text, serving to break up the chapters, capture the characters’ personalities, and highlight the story’s key events. Highly recommended.” — CM Magazine
"Delightful . . . An endearing tale about friendship." — Metroland
"While the characters are anthropomorphized creatures, this book defies age grouping. Anyone who has shared a living space — with siblings, classmates or grown adults — can relate to this witty and whimsical tale." — New York Times
