Bird & Squirrel On the Edge!

September 1, 2015

Gr 1-4-The further adventures of unlikely friends Bird and Squirrel as they continue to get caught up in mishaps. Fans of the first two titles in this graphic novel series will not be disappointed with the shenanigans that the two companions find themselves involved in as they cross the Great Mountains. The rescue of a baby bear, a pursuit by wolves, and a case of amnesia are just some of what happens this time around. Burks continues to prove a wonderful storyteller with his vivid artwork, which will engage the most reluctant of readers. VERDICT Best suited for elementary grade students and struggling readers, this title is a must-own for graphic novel collections.-John Trischitti, Midland County Public Libraries, TX

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2015
Grades 2-4 In their third adventure, friends Bird and Squirrel are on their way homeBird flying while carrying Squirrelthey just have to cross over some mountains. Then they see a wolf pack menacing a baby bear and stop to help the cub. In the midst of the fight, Squirrel accidentally hits Bird on the noggin with a pinecone and knocks him out. When Bird wakes up, he doesn't know who he is or how to fly. Squirrel is scared of everything, and Bird is the brave one, but now their roles are reversed. Can Squirrel find the courage to help the cub find its mama and get himself and Bird home? That's bad enough, but the wolves keep following them, too. Burks' colorful art makes the wolves menacing (long jaws full of sharp teeth) without being too scary for most younger readers, while the story propels the reader through lots of action and humor, as persnickety Squirrel must deal with the cub licking his face and helping his amnesiac friend, Bird, deal with his fears.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)