A delightful romp.. While reluctant readers may stumble over some of the vocabulary, the big-hearted story takes precedent over any challenges the text could present. Skunk and Badger are a whimsical odd couple for the ages and their zany adventures are sure to win over fans of adorable woodland fauna, I could easily see Wes Anderson adopting this story into a stop-motion animation film, befitting of its twee aesthetic.

I was so thrilled to see Jon Klassen's name associated with this work as there is a dark, mysterious undertone to all of his illustrations that I just adore.

So. Expect great illustrations.

As for the narrative itself, what a brilliant work to be read aloud! I can clearly see this novel becoming a favourite in classes grades 3+ as the onomatopoeias are on-point and the synonyms are first-rate. There's also a lot of wonderful opportunities for vocabulary building here which makes it perfect for classroom use. The story is also incredibly engaging which will have readers looking forward to reading the next chapter. Kids will look forward to bedtime, students will be anxious for story time. It's that brilliant.

I also love how the tale discusses friendships, empathy, not making judgements on another person, and learning to love one another's quirks. It is a charming work that will truly delight readers of all ages.

Looking forward to the next one!

Skunk and Badger is a different take on friendship and getting to like those who are different from you. I can't wait to see the final artwork and the next book.

A classic odd couple pairing, Badger is not at all sure about welcoming Skunk into his home and his life. He has "important rock work" to do, and Skunk is loud and disrupts his well-ordered life. And he welcomes chickens into the house! This fun new chapter book series is a great next step for Frog and Toad fans. I certainly want to spend more time with these two new friends!

Review based on an ARC from NetGalley.

Review to come September 2nd on blog/goodreads.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I just couldn't resist requesting this one when I saw it pop up on Netgalley. I had already been happy dancing when I learned about the book on Twitter. I am a big fan of Jon Klassen's work and just look that cover, it is such a delight!

This book tells us the story about two animals, Skunk and Badger. Two very unlikely friends, and Badger is quite grumpy and set in his ways. It is a story I have read before and it is always a tricky one as I have had stories I enjoyed with this set-up, but also hated stories like this one. I can honestly say that this one was a like.

While Badger was a grumpy animal and he should be a bit more open to sharing, I do feel that Skunk should also have respected Badger a bit more. You don't just clean up in a house you just started living in without asking. If someone needs their rest and peace and quiet and tell you clearly that door closed = door closed and no interruptions, then leave them be no matter what.

Each one has something good though and it was fun to see them get closer together. Opening up to each other, telling stories. I loved how they instantly found a rhythm at home. Skunk makes yummy foods (and I am sure that Badger won't be able to get out of the house if he keeps munching those muffins so much :P) and Badger cleans. And that if there is a lot of it they both do it. That was quite amazing that they figured it out so well. I know in real life it doesn't always go that way.

I loved Badger's rock work though, I adore rocks and I know that when I was younger I collected them and had quite a few pretty things. It was fun to read how he polished rocks, how he figured if it was a rock or a mineral. He really did some hard work there and I was impressed. Though I do wonder what kind of organisation, if any, he is working for. He is doing research/work so it must be for something.

Oh, and all the chickens. So many chickens. Though I wasn't that interested in the story that was told and skimmed most of that.

And I could well understand the argument that followed. Yes, I could also see Skunk's view, but come on dude. You just don't spray. Plus, while I get that you want to protect your chicken friends... who has to clean up their shit? Indeed.

As with all books like this we know how it will end. Badger misses someone in his home, someone he befriended despite him trying to deny it. It was a predictable ending but it still made me happy.

The illustrations were fantastic though I would have definitely loved more of them.

Badger is a happy guy who lives in his Aunt's brownstone where he keeps to himself doing important rock work. His world is turned on its side when a small skunk arrives and changes what he thinks he knows in his tried and true (yet seemingly lonely) life. This book is not a beginning chapter book, but rather a shorter standard chapter book with a few lovely illustrations by Jon Klassen sprinkled within. This book is full of witty quips and I even learned a new word/animal from reading. There are STEAM and classical literature nods within and all the things that make a buddy comedy worth reading. I would recommend this to kids who have outgrown Frog & Toad or who want something less British than Wind in the Willows. Very appealing to Wallace and Grommit fans as there is definitely a fun relationship and I can see this as a movie or tv series easily. I will wait with bated breath until news of a follow-up book is announced. Recommended for reading aloud with kids or to kids and for anyone who enjoys animals as protagonists. There were some chuckle-worthy moments.

What a delightfully weird book about friendship! I'm in love with this book and can't wait to see it in it's fully published and full color glory. I think kids and adults alike will enjoy it and recommend reading the book together. I can't wait for another volume.

I received an electronic ARC from Algonquin Young Readers through NetGalley.
Badger is happy to be alone and work with his rocks. He shuns everyone and is completely focused on his career. Skunk is an extrovert who loves to be with others and has been hurt when others didn't want him. Their Aunt Lulu sends Skunk to live in her brownstone with Badger and the relationship starts out rocky. Readers also get to meet a myriad of chickens who adore Skunk. Their interactions trigger a chain reaction that helps readers see into both main characters. Badger deeply wounds Skunk and he moves out. Badger realizes how much of life he is missing and sets out to find Skunk. They reconcile and begin a much better roommate situation.
Clever language and plenty of humor wrapped around the serious topic of balance in life and kindness to others.
Looking forward to this series.

I am a big fan of both this author and illustrator, and was very excited to see this title was due to be released in September. Thank you very much for allowing me to preview an advanced copy. I have this book now ordered for my library, and will happily recommend this title to my librarian colleagues, and parents interested in purchasing books for their children. Again, thank you for allowing me to review a copy.

This is a sweet and quiet story that would be the perfect read aloud for 1st or second grade. The theme of friendship and acceptance comes through with teachable moments.

This is such a delightful surprise of a book! Who knew that I would grow to love a grumpy particular type badger set in his ways and an extraordinary, moon-gazing, book-reading, skunk who loved to cook (breakfast especially) and considered chickens to be among his best friends. Somewhere I saw someone likened Badger and Skunk to Frog and Toad and since the former is a much beloved pairing then I would have to agree! Perhaps Skunk and Badger will become a new classic. I can only hope, for where else would I find a skunk discussing the fine points of Shakespeare's Henry V? ""Gentle and kind is the way I would like the world to be. I hope it will be that way." How timely his interpretation. Then, moments later, the reader can erupt in laughter when the landscape goes chicken, perfectly illustrated by award-winning illustrator's Jon Klassen's subtle ink drawing of chickens everywhere! Though the odd couple tale is a bit predictable as to its outcome, the journey to get there has many delightful twists and turns. How they learn to appreciate each other's talents and differences is a lesson to be learned for all. Plus there's a ukulele and quantum leaps, music AND science! Oh, and I can't forget the bookstore that seems to have something for everyone and meals befit the feasts of Redwall. Sludge and slurry, we all have to wait for book 2, I suppose. In the mean time, let us all enjoy our stories and popcorn.

This is an adorable story about friendship and acceptance. I really enjoyed the story of "Skunk and Badger" and think children will as well. The story invokes thoughts about accepting change and one another. I think this would be a great read aloud in a 3rd grade classroom and would also create wonderful talking points for a whole group lesson.

Thank you NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This book has completely melted my heart! A beautiful tale unfolds between the pages of this beautifully illustrated book, between a Badger and a Skunk. A very unusual friendship between two very different animals with different personalities.
Badger is very set in his ways and sticks to a daily routine eating the same food and doing the same work (important rock work) until Skunk enters his life and he begins to enjoy different things, reluctantly. Then one day they have an argument and Skunk leaves feeling very sad and hurt emotionally. Badger frantically tries to find him and realises he has enjoyed Skunk entering his life and has missed out on so much by being so stuck in his rigid routine and life.
Honestly, this book is adorable and I really want a paper copy to treasure forever.

Aunt Lulu has let Badger reside in her other house, and Badger has settled into a comfortable routine doing his importance rock work, as he is an important Rock Scientist. Then one morning Skunk appears on the doorstep with his battered red suitcase and tells Badger he is here to stay. Badger has ignored many letters from Aunt Lulu about Skunk’s situation and tries to get Skunk to spend the night in the hall closet and then be on his way. Then there is the arrival of the chickens, Badger’s routine is discombobulated and he tries to get rid of Skunk, will Badger figure out the right thing to do?
I struggle with what age to recommend for this book, I think 3rd graders would enjoy the story line but they may struggle with some of the references and quotes.
#SkunkandBadgerSkunkandBadger1 #NetGalley #ARC

A completely delightful tale of Badger, a rock scientist, who is firm in his daily routine. He is set in his ways and appreciates life as it is.
Living in a brownstone belonging to Aunt Lula, Badger does “important rock work” and needs constant focus.
When Skunk arrives, with Aunt Lula’s permission, Badger finds his life twisted and pulled in new ways and he is not keen.
Every day brings new surprises and events that Badger needs to adapt to. However, Badger isn’t handling the changes well and tends to lash out and be unkind to Skunk.
With the arrival of 100 chickens for story time, the disruption of his rock room and the mess, Badger is close to breaking point.
What happens next brings Badger’s life back to normal but is that what he really wants?

This book ensures that friendship and acceptance are highlighted and the importance of both when living with someone new!

The illustrations are beautifully drawn by Jon Klassen and interspersed within the pages of Badger and Skunk’s tale.

A cute story with absolutely delightful art. This book will be a joy to read with younger kids, although the choppy sentence structure and the repetitiveness in some of the dialogue may be off-putting for older readers. The overall story is one seen many times before with a grumpy character learning to be a better friend, but there are enough original additions to keep the story feeling fresh for both children and adults.

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake is a sweet, beginner chapter book that will definitely entertain younger readers. Badger is very seriously doing "important rock work" when Skunk enters his life and turns everything upside down. Going from a solitary creature to one who has to think about the feelings of others is a hard journey for Badger, but it's an important journey that changes Badger's heart. This story reminds me of Bonny Becker's delightful picture book A Visitor for Bear.

"Skunk & Badger" is sweet, funny, and fanciful novel. When you read you will step into the world of Badger who loves rocks and his routine. Soon his life is disrupted as he gets a new roommate, Skunk. The little anecdotes with these two characters learning about each other are precious. Readers will forever remember the ideas captured in the "rocket potato," box room, and the chicken whistle. This book also gets you really thinking about how unexpected change can actually be great for you!

Great chapter book for early readers. I like "odd couple" stories, and this one delivers! Cute and enjoyable, with plenty of humor for parents to enjoy as well.