This series opener confused me a bit as I wasn’t exactly sure who the intended audience was. On the one hand, with cute illustrations and opposites attract type friendship between the two anthropomorphized mammals, it could be for strong, early elementary readers. But with 124 pages, vocabulary level, and some of the scenarios and tongue in check/sarcasm over the important rock room and work may make it more easily understood by those in middle and upper elementary grades. I thought the whole book was chuckle-worthy and believe it to be perfect as a read aloud for those in grades 2-4 when tone of voice and physical posturing of the reader will help get some of the trickier parts across to listeners. Text is free of profanity, sexual content and violence.

I was drawn in from the art because it heavily reminded me of FROG AND TOAD. It was a fun, quirky read.

This book was cute and my son enjoyed me reading it to him. It was entertaining and humorous. I give it 4 stars. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.

Skunk and Badger are a delightful pair! This book full of friendship, humor, and chickens will be so much fun for adults to read with children. Timberlake presents us with an "odd couple," when Skunk moves into Aunt Lula's brownstone where Badger is already staying. Badger has important rock work to get done and Skunk is a disruption to that work. But sometimes disruptions can be fun!

Skunk and Badge is a delightful Odd Couple graphic novel for older to middle grade kids. The message of accepting people who are different and maybe even embracing those quirks is sweet and poignant. Plus, there's a lot of talk about rocks and chickens - which is pretty fun!

I did not finish - I have tried reading this book on multiple occasions and just could not get into it.

Skunk and Badger (Skunk and Badger, #1)
by Amy Timberlake, Jon Klassen (Illustrations)
2203196
Lori Terzi's reviewAug 21, 2021 · edit
it was amazing
bookshelves: animals, arcs, children-s, fiction, humor, tails

Disclaimer: I read an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!

Important rock work. An unexpected houseguest, er, roommate who does not respect your boundaries. Chickens! And more chickens!

Badger's quiet, very important life is disrupted. He does not react gracefully. But Skunk brings new behaviors that are appealing, too, like making muffins for breakfast, and sharing jokes. Is that going to be enough for them to work out their living arrangements amicably?

I like picturing families reading this book together, aloud, laughing as the story unfolds beside the charming illustrations.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. If you loved Frog and Toad as I did growing up, then your kids and patrons will enjoy Skunk and Badger and the illustration are done by Jon Klassen. Great stories about friendship.

This is an adorable book about friendship and how no one wants a skunk around, but he can still make friends with a badger.

Truly delightful. It reminds me of Arnold Lobel. The pictures are perfect, and the text is funny. I will definitely need more Skunk and Badger books!

Badger lives alone in Aunt Lula’s brownstone, and he likes it that way. He has plenty of room and quiet to study rocks – until Skunk arrives. Aunt Lula has sent Skunk to be Badger’s roommate, and Badger is not happy. A sweet story of friendship, open mindedness, and respect.

Skunk and Badger are two of the most wonderful and quirky individuals that I have encountered in children's fiction in years. This is a fabulous book but is probably best as a shared reading experience between adults and their little ones. There are just so many inside jokes for the bigs to chuckle at as the scenes unfold.

This was such a fun book! It was like mixing The Odd Couple with Winnie the Pooh, and I adored it!

The highlight of the story is the characters, and I loved all of them. Even as an adult, I could relate to the characters so much. I could completely feel Badger’s frustrations as he gets a new roommate. Almost everyone faces moments of transition in their lives, where they have to face something new. These experiences are never smooth if the person is unprepared, and the author did a wonderful job in highlighting the animals in a realistic manner. Badger and Skunk complement each other so well with their clashing personalities. It was a lot of fun their interactions and reactions to the various situations.

The author also writes the story in such a whimsical manner that you immediately relate to the characters, even if they are animals. On a side note, I also loved all the geology references and learned new terms like “Tourmaline Pegmatite”. Similarly, the illustrations are amazing. As I got an advanced copy, few illustrations were in Black and white and a few colored. Both stood out in their own manner and made the story stand out.

The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because I felt like the story solely put Badger in the negative instead of Skunk also adjusting and making changes. Yes, Badger was rude for how he reacted, but he did so because Skunk provoked him so much. Yet, in the story, Skunk did not come across like he learned his lesson.

Apart from that, this book was just so cute! Although it is a children’s book, it resonates across all age groups, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

I loved this book! It was delightful and timely. It's important to know how to say sorry and to not give up until you do. We all have a little Badger in us. And we should strive to be more like Skunk. Badger is such a rude curmudgeon and Skunk remains steadfastly kind - even when his feelings have been hurt. And the chickens! They are wonderful. Klassen's illustrations were delightful, as always. I am definitely looking forward to Skunk and Badger #2.

Thank you Algonquin and NetGalley for sharing a copy in exchange for an honest review. I LOVED skunk and badger. I was laughing, identifying with skunk, nodding my head, and feeling all kinds of emotions in this book. I really loved the illustrations too-they were perfect. I can’t wait for the next book!

This book is beyond adorable and reminded me of the best buddy comedies I've seen and read. This would make a fabulous read aloud for 1st-3rd graders, and a delightful bedtime book! I highly recommend this as a gift for a young child, as well! Thanks for the cuteness!

Badger lives in his Aunt Lula’s brownstone. He is a rock scientist. He likes to work on his rocks everyday.. he has turned his living room into his lab for studying and working with his rocks. Badger has become very set in his ways. When someone knocks on his door, he tries to ignore it. Finally he realizes whoever is at his door is not leaving, so he answers his door. Much to his surprise there is a skunk at the door. Skunk realizes that Badger wasn’t expecting him. So Skunk asks if he got Aunt Lula’s letter about him coming to live with Badger. Badger says yes as he doesn’t want to admit that he has not been reading her letters. Badger puts Skunk up in a closet for his room. Will Skunk stay with Badger? Will Badger let him stay? Skunk and Badger have much to learn about each other. Badger is given a surprise from Skunk. Badger doesn’t like his surprise. What will Badger do?

The author has written a charming book. It gives one a look at friendship when each character has different ways of living life. It’s also about responsibilities, conversations about hurts given by accident, and learning to appreciate their differences. The illustrations are perfect. I enjoyed reading this story so much that I will be looking forward to reading the next book when it comes out. Badger and Skunk are great characters!

I'm about to use two words to describe this book that I don't often use: charming and delightful. This gave me all the feels; it's warm and cozy, it's rich and delicious, it made me laugh, it made me tear up- it moved me, y'all. It brought back memories of the anthropomorphic animal stories I loved as a child- Winnie the Pooh, The Wind in the Willows, Old Mother West Wind stories, Frog and Toad- and gave me those same warm fuzzy feelings. Badger has been living alone and gotten set in his ways, when he gets a surprise- a new roommate! Skunk is the breath of fresh air (pun not exactly intended) Badger's life needs, but will Badger be able to see this? Will the two be able to get used to each other and get along? Where do I find a floofy orange chicken to be friends with? When is the next book out? I want more Skunk and Badger!

#SkunkandBadgerSkunkandBadger1 #NetGalley

RATING: 4 STARS
2020; Algonquin Young Readers (Workman Audio)

When the publisher reached out to ask me if I wanted to read Skunk and Badger, I said yes just based on the cover art. I am a fan of Jon Klassen's art, and loved his book I Want My Hat Back. I had not heard of Amy Timberlake but figured there would be some humour and endearing moments if Klassen was attached to it. I did not get a chance to read this as quick as I wanted to (as 2020 was a rough year for planned reading). I noticed that Netgalley had added audiobooks to their request and saw that Skunk and Badger was available on audio. Thank you to Workman Audio, as I enjoyed Michael Boatman's narration of the characters and story. (I would suggest still taking the novel out to see Klassen's artwork). Skunk and Badger remind me of The Odd Couple, with a touch of Ethology/Zoology. This novel is aimed at middle grades.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook and audiobook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

Oh my goodness! I loved this book! It took me back to my childhood of reading Frog and Toad books. I know kids will love this book just as much as I did! From spunky Skunk, to grumpy Badger and all the trouble they get into... fantastic book! I hope there are more to come!