What a fun story that takes place around a Biblical place that we get to learn more about. I loved the squirrels and I hope to learn more about them in future books. Their were tons of great messages like learning to obey your parents, using wisdom, and even being repentant. My only complaint is the story was sooo short, but thankfully there are more books in the series!

3.5 stars. Cute kick off to this series. The main character is pretty typical - curious, sincere, impulsive. Those characteristics will likely lead him on the adventures planned for this series. I can see why the publisher released the first two books simultaneously - the squirrels are still *mostly* petrified at the end of this one, but changes are in store. I would recommend buying/checking out both if you can because readers will be frustrated at the end of this one if they can't see what happens next.

Biblical principle explored: Obeying your parents.

Squirreled Away is the first book ever written by the co-creater of VeggieTails. I found the plot eventive, however it needed rewriting in a few places to make the read smoother. The ending felt bluntly cut off, rather than a smooth transition to the next book. Young readers will enjoy the adventures of Michael and his friend Justin, in this new series, involving finding what was thought to be dead petrified squirrels... I wish to thank NetGalley for this unfinished, complimentary copy of this book and know, my review is of my own opinion.

This looks like a promising graphic novel series. Michael and Justin explore a cave near the Dead Sea, but have to return early for dinner. When Michael returns later after everyone is asleep he discovers two mummified squirrels. Since cave squirrels are not a thing, we also learn about the adventure the squirrels had back in 70 AD, but only part of it . . . There are more exciting events to be seen in the rest of the series. One star deducted as much of the artwork was yet unfinished. Will appeal to families looking for clean graphic novels with biblical truths.

A big thank you to Tyndale House and NetGalley for providing an digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

On the next to last day at his father’s archeological dig in Israel, Michael and his pal Justin stumble upon a mysterious ledge in a cave. Michael’s dad tells them it is dangerous to go in there without an expert guide and grounds them for the night. However, Michael thinks he’ll probably die of curiosity not knowing what was on that ledge. So he sneaks out and goes back. And nothing can ever go wrong when you’re a 10 year old sneaking into a mostly strange cave in the middle of the night by yourself, right?

I kept reminding myself that this was an uncorrected proof I was reading. The art was definitely not finished, and I’m guessing they had another round of editing in store for the writing. There were a few places where the flow needed some work. The premise of the story is quite intriguing - what happens when you a 10 year old’s curiosity gets the better of him…and for the future, what happens when you re-hydrate 2 ancient salt-preserved squirrels? There’s a good lesson on listening to your parents and why you should do that (with biblical sources to back this lesson up). The characters are going into 5th grade, but the story feels more aimed at lower grade readers. It is goofy and lighthearted, and fairly simple in sentence structure and plot. You better prepare readers for a major cliffhanger or wait to put this in their hands until book 2 is out; the book is likely to create major frustration otherwise. We’ll definitely be ordering this and the rest of the series for our Elementary library. Recommended for adventure fans, Christian lower grade readers, and imaginative story fans.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

From one of the creators of the immensely popular Veggie Tales comes a middle grades book series with enormous potential. Book 1 introduces readers to Justin and Michael, two fifth grade boys who have been friends forever but could not be more different. Justin is an always on time rule-follower and Michael is much more adventuresome and in his attempts to find the greatest amount of excitement, is inclined to break those rules. On a trip to an archaeology site in Israel with Michael’s father, the boys discover and return home with two dried out and mummified squirrels that are more than they appear to be. After a few broken rules and goofy mishaps, Michael’s disobedience is met with parental consequences, he is genuinely remorseful and seems to view the instruction given to him with respect. The twist at the end launches us directly into a book 2 and I am fairly sure, based on the cliff-hanger, that the shenanigans will amp up in that follow-up. Readers of Big Nate in grades 2-5 are likely to enjoy this light-hearted romp and the frequent full drawn sketches throughout. Adults providing books for that target group will appreciate the family-friendly fun and absence of controversial material. For full disclosure, references to God and His guidance and help are present and both Michael and Justin are encouraged to behave in ways that will honor Him.