I don’t read a lot of middle-grade books, but when I was that age, I devoured them. So, it was really nice to dive into one of these and be reminded how magical and glorious the stories can seem. “Skunk and Badger” has been described as a cross between “Wallace and Gromit” and “Wind in the Willows” (with a dash of “Winnie the Pooh” thrown in), and I love this characterization.

The story, by Amy Timberlake, is told from the point of view of a Badger (named Badger obviously) who does Very Important Rock Work (as he calls his studies of geology). He lives simply and quietly in a brownstone that his Aunt Lula lets him reside in. One day, Skunk arrives saying that Aunt Lula has offered him a home in the brownstone as a roommate to Badger. Badger is completely dismayed and horrified that his space will be taken over by another animal (especially one with some rather loud and annoying habits). The two form a rather tenuous relationship with highs (when Skunk makes Badger delicious breakfasts in the morning) and lows (when Skunk invites all of the neighborhood chickens over for storytime). The two animals must learn to compromise and come together in their living space so that they can both live in harmony.

Timberlake’s writing is joyful and has a wonderful sense of humor to it. It’s one of those children books that has plenty to offer adults who might be reading along with their kids. Also, the illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen are a great addition to the text – both fun and entertaining.

There are so many heartwarming moments in this book that had me smiling (and one part that had me tearful). But the overall message of acceptance and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes (or paws?) is one that all children should learn. I’ll definitely be recommending this and will happily await the next adventure following these two animals!

Thank you Algonquin & Algonquin Young Readers for this advance copy of this adorable book! We had three readers here in this house to review this book – myself, my 9-year old son, and my 8-year old daughter. We all found this quirky book about an odd-matched friendship between Skunk and Badger to be very sweet and the illustrations were beautiful! I think the recommendation for appropriate ages (7-10) and grades (2-5) was perfect – although my younger daughter was a bigger fan than my son who is more into older/fantasy books, so may skew closer to her age. Overall, such a cute addition to the young reader space!

This is a delightful story about being wrong, feeling like EVERYONE in the whole world knows you made a bad mistake, and trying to find a way to fix it. A wonderful book on overcoming our own misdeeds, being a friend, and making up, "Skunk and Badger" is perfect for the 2nd-4th grade crowd from my perspective as a parent (not a reading teacher).

This is a lovely, soft sort of book. When Skunk appears out of nowhere to become Badger's new roommate, Badger is not pleased. Skunk, however, is delighted to have a new roommate and is very matter-of-fact about what it means to live with someone else. What follows is the sort of odd couple, roommates-figuring-it-out growth that is genuinely lovely. But my favorite part was all of the little details: the specifics of Badgers Important Rock Work, Skunk's meals, and descriptions of chickens among them. I've always been particularly fond of lists in my fiction.

This is perfect for anyone in need of something a bit soft and comfortable, something charming, something with a bit of a grown up Frog and Toad feel. Definitely recommended.

An absolute delight. Adults and children will love Skunk and Badger. Its layered humor and the characters' Odd Couple like friendship makes for a rather timeless experience that I am sure will be shared for years to come.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Pick this up if you want a conversation starter on why stereotypes and racial prejudices can be damaging. It's a cute, funny, kid-friendly story about growth and balance. Skunk is the chaotic energy everyone needs in their life while Badger has the focus and drive we all wished we had.

Absolutely adorable. 10/10 would recommend for anyone looking for a sweet book to bliss out to. Get the physical where possible, because if it's even half as beautiful as the e-copy then you all need this whimsy in your life.

Badger is perfectly happy with his life just the way it is, thank you very much. He lives alone in his Aunt Lula's brownstone where he has ample space to spread out and work on his Important Rock Work. He hardly has time for friendships, barely has time to actually cook meals, and definitely does not have time to read letters sent by his Aunt Lula. That's why he's caught by surprise one day when a Skunk appears on his doorstep -- his new roommate. Of course, the brownstone belongs to Aunt Lula, and Badger feels compassion towards Skunk because it is true that not everyone wants to live with a Skunk (their proclivity for spraying and whatnot), but Badger is also certain that he does not need a roommate. Still, when Badger's standoffishness drives Skunk away, he sees the error in his ways and realizes that having a roommate may not be so bad.

Add this charming early middle grade story to your pile of odd-couple animals stories from Children's Literature. For readers who have graduated from Frog and Toad, this story will bring the laughs and illustrations from Jon Klassen will charm and delight. This would also make a great read-aloud for families with younger kids. This book, the start of a new series, is just exactly what it ought to be.

This book has a special vibe to it that makes it read like a classic work of children's literature. I think kids will enjoy the quirkiness of the adventures between our rock-loving Badger and chicken-loving skunk. The simple text, combined with occasionally illustrations should definitely have some appeal to beginning chapter readers and this also would make a charming read-aloud. I can't think of a library that would be disappointed adding this their collection.

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake is a feel-good book about finding friends and learning that first opinions aren't always right. Badger's life is turned around when an unexpected roommate, Skunk, appears. Badger likes routine and quiet in order to complete his important rock work in his rock room. Skunk turns out to be very different than Badger in many ways, but as we learn in the story--could this actually benefit them both?

Skunk and Badger is recommended for grades 2-5 and while I think that this group would particularly be entertained by a read-aloud, I wouldn't limit my recommendation of this book to just that age range. The Jon Klassen illustrations throughout along with the relatability of Skunk and Badger's story will delight readers of all ages.

Thank you Algonquin Young Readers and NetGalley for the eARC of this book.

This is a very sweet, quirky book, with great lessons about acceptance, compromise, regret, and how to actually apologize (which seems so important to teach kids, now in particular). I suppose this is indeed intended for children, though I'd say its throwback-style makes it more appropriate for precocious kids (or maybe I'm just too far removed from what little kids can handle). I loved the references and jokes about "Henry V,' a king with a very short last name, but that part might bore children who are used to more frenetically-paced stories. I loved it, though, and I'll probably buy a hard copy. [This review is based on an ARC.]

What a delightful and charming book for young readers!

Skunk and Badger are the quintessential odd couple. They are forced to learn to live together in a brownstone that Badger has had all to himself. What follows are funny and entertaining mishaps that are destined to make all children smile.

The icing on the cake are the illustrations in this book. They are cleverly drawn and bring some of the funnier moments of the book to life.

I think both parents and children are going to enjoy reading this charming book about friendship and accepting all types of people (and animals).

I received a copy of this book from Algonquin Young Readers in exchange for an honest review.

**Review will be posted on my blog on 9/19/20 during the blog tour**

What I Liked:
*The illustrations are what caught my eye in the first place. I love the facial expressions of Badger and Skunk, the drawings really capture their personalities.

*The characters Badger and Skunk are so different that living together comes with some challenges. Badger is set in his ways and Skunk is a flurry of energy. I like how the story shows how people with different personalities can learn to get along if they try.

*This is perfect for middle grade readers but as an adult, I enjoyed it a lot too.

*The ukulele scene had me! I live in Hawaii, so when Badger started belting out a Hawaiian tune, it made my heart melt and smile.

Final Thoughts:
Skunk and Badger is so full of charm! I love how they eventually resolve their problems. It just goes to show that even with differences we are also alike in a lot of ways.

Gentle chapter book about a badger who must adjust to having a skunk share his home. Story of friendship, compromise and adapting.

Disclaimer: I received the book and e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Skunk and Badger

Author: Amy Timberlake

Book Series: Skunk and Badger Book 1

Rating: 5/5

Recommended For...: children

Publication Date: September 15, 2020

Genre: Children’s Chapter Book

Recommended Age: 10+ (acceptance and friendship)

Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers

Pages: 136

Synopsis: No one wants a skunk.

They are unwelcome on front stoops. They should not linger in Important Rock Rooms. Skunks should never, ever be allowed to move in. But Skunk is Badger’s new roommate, and there is nothing Badger can do about it.

When Skunk plows into Badger’s life, everything Badger knows is upended. Tails are flipped. The wrong animal is sprayed. And why-oh-why are there so many chickens?

“Nooooooooooooooooooooo!”

Review: I absolutely loved this story! The illustrations were so cute and full of expression. The story was fun and child friendly. However, some of the book is choppy and repetitive, but younger readers probably won't notice.

Verdict: It was a charming book

Smart with just the right sort of sardonic humor, this illustrated early chapter book immediately joined the ranks of my favorite read-alouds.

Skunk and Badger (Skunk and Badger 1)
by Amy Timberlake


Algonquin Young Readers
Children's Fiction
Pub Date 15 Sep 2020



I am reviewing a copy of Skunk and Badger through Algonquin Young Readers and Netgalley:



Skunk and Badger are roommates, and there’s nothing Badger can do about it, although no one wants a skunk.


Skunks should never be allowed to move in, but he’s living with Badger now having plowed into Badgers life, turning it upside down. Everyone is mad, the wrong animal is sprayed, and Badger cannot figure out why there are so many Chickens.




This book is a beautiful reminder of how differences can strengthen a friendship and allow them to grow, when we learn to accept those differences.



I give Skunk and Badger five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free e-ARC for review.

This book is delightful! First we meet Badger, who is firm in his routines - to the extreme of ignoring letters from his Aunt, who is very kindly allowing him to live in her home while he completes his <i>important rock work</i>. Because of this, he is taken aback when Skunk arrives and disrupts his routine!

I really enjoyed watching Badger grow through this story, and recognizing his own bad choices. He realizes how powerful words are - both the ones we speak, and the ones we don't - and puts forth the effort to make things right. I will definitely be purchasing this for my library!

Badger lives in his Aunt Lula’s brownstone and really likes his routines. Every day follows a pattern as he pursues his important rock work. When Skunk appears at the door expecting to stay (Badger really should have read Aunt Lula’s letters), Badger’s orderly world is turned upside down. When Badger loses his temper and forces Skunk out, his conscience comes to the fore. There are so many great lessons in this book as Badger learns to listen, opens himself up to new experiences, and shares the chores. With an underlying theme of respecting others’ differences, this book should fit perfectly in elementary classrooms. I hope book two is coming soon!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Delightful!

Reminiscent of The Wind in the Willows and Winnie-the-Pooh. Heartwarming!

This isn't a new story - a grumpy character learns how to live by befriending a young, spirited character. A Man Called Ove and the movie Up are prime examples. But Skunk and Badger are a welcome addition to this family of stories. The art by I Want My Hat Back creator, which I've already reviewed as being a perfect management book, is cute and fits perfectly with the story.

Important rock work must be done! Chickens make good friends! If I cook, you clean.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Art: 5 stars
Story: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars

This story was ADORABLE! Think of the quaint woodlandy setting of The Wind in the Willows combined with the heartwarming cuteness of Winnie the Pooh and you'll get a feel for Skunk and Badger.

The story starts off with Badger, a solitary animal who spends his time alone in his brownstone, which his Aunt Lula allows him to stay in. Badger passes the time doing Important Rock Work, and clipping articles about his findings from magazines.

One day, he's in his Rock Room doing his Important Rock Work when there's a knock on the door, and he discovers a skunk on his doorstep. The unexpected visitor has a briefcase and a clear eagerness which, combined with the speedy introduction, makes Badger think Skunk is a door to door sales animal, and promptly shut the door in his face. To cut a long story short, it turns out that Aunt Lula has told Skunk he can stay in her brownstone with Badger, who hasn't opened the last four letters from Aunt Lula. Thrown into an awkward situation, introverted Badger tries to make the best of it by trying to keep Skunk on a separate floor of the house, and closing himself into his Rock Room.

Without giving too much away, Badger does not enjoy having a room mate and is determined to get rid of him even if he quite enjoys Skunk's tasty cooked breakfasts as opposed to his cold cereal in a cold bowl with cold milk each morning. When something happens that tips Badger over the edge and compels Skunk to leave the brownstone, Badger realises the value of friendship, and of being open-minded, adapting and willing to accept your own failings.

A quick and heartwarming read perfect for kids and adults alike, with lovely illustrations that gave me a strong sense of nostalgia somehow!