It is a beautiful tale of an unexpected friendship between a badger and skunk. 
Badger a rock scientist lives alone in his aunt's home, he needs silence and concentration for his important rock work. His life is pretty simple, from eating cold cereal in breakfast to doing specific grocery in only 3 aisles, until skunk comes into his home(technically aunt Lula's home) and his life.

Skunk is as opposite to badger as one can be. Skunk is extrovert, straight forward and friends with chickens, a lot of them.

Badget started to like a little change but is reluctant to admit it. Until one day he got in a serious fight with the skunk, and skunk left the home. Now he has to decide if he really wants skunk friendship or not?

For middle graders, it is a sweet tale. It teaches a lot of things like without any friend you can spend life but not live it. I loved the way Badger character was developed and shown as a workaholic. If anyone is interested in geology he/she'll love all the specific details but the others can get bored.
Illustrations in the book were cute and I was looking forward to them, through whole book.

Badger has been living in his Aunt Lula’s brownstone for three years, and in those three years he’s managed to change things around the place in order to make it his own. Everything he needed now had a place, which was good for him, and now he could carry on doing his Important Rock Work.

Not expecting anyone to interrupt him, he hears a knock on the door. He checks his calendar and the day is marked X – showing that it is, in fact, a day for Important Rock Work. It can’t be Aunt Lula, he thinks, since she rarely visits, writing letters instead – and then he remembers the two or three letters she’s sent which he has yet to open. So Badger just ignores the knocking. He hears a voice calling his name, and ignores that. He keeps trying to concentrate on his work, but then he worries that it might be someone or something important, and so he opens the door. There’s a chicken there, but no one else, but before he has time to go back inside, Skunk is there, carrying his red suitcase and introducing himself, and quickly makes himself at home. And at first things seem fine, Skunk is happy to get up and make a big hearty breakfast, and makes himself busy ‘helping’ around the house… but in ways that Badger doesn’t really appreciate, although things are all right for a while, a short while. Where Badger has his ways he likes things, Skunk likes things to be another way, which reminded me of Felix and Oscar in the old television seriesThe Odd Couple. Neither is right, neither is wrong, but they see their world in very different ways. They have few things in common, and both are set in their ways. .

When Badger finds a note from Skunk telling him Do not go anywhere tonight. There will be a surprise! Badger is excited; it’s been a long time since anyone has done something like that for him.

And then…
First he heard a sound. An awful sound.
And suddenly a chicken appears. And then more appear. And all at once chickens are everywhere.

Words are said in anger, and Skunk leaves. Alone now, which is what he thought he wanted, Badger is no longer quite as sure, and begins to reassess his reaction, and the good things Skunk had brought to his life. They may bring out the worst in each other at times, but in other ways, they bring out the best. The truth is now he can’t imagine life without his friend.

Charming illustrations by author/illustrator Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen add a wonderful touch to this fun story with a subtle message by Newberry Honor author Amy Timberlake that parents and children will both enjoy reading time and again.


Pub Date: 15 Sep 2020

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Algonquin Young Readers

#SkunkandBadgerSkunkandBadger1 #NetGalley

Skunk and Badger is a beautifully written and illustrated book about friendship, personal growth, and acceptance. Due out 15th Sept 2020 from Workman on their Algonquin Young Readers imprint, it's 136 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a rollicking and fun book with surprisingly deep takeaways. Aimed at young readers circa 8-12 years old, there are solid lessons about friendship, personal growth, kindness, boundaries, and learning to work together.

Although ostensibly written as a read-alone for 8-12 year olds, this would also be a superlative choice for a read-along or library circle/activity read (maybe with a question and answer discussion afterwards). It would also be a great choice for a read-to-me adult/child bedtime story. There is also wide scope for some silly voices and sound effects.

Five stars. Charming, original, well written and beautifully illustrated.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Badger's new housemate is a surprise and he isn't really ready for the changes Skunk brings. Things don't go entirely well. The animal friends don't get off to a good start with Skunk bringing in chickens that add to the mayhem.that has disrupted Badger's life. Can these two endearing characters find a way to coexist?

This is such a sweet read for younger children.
As a teacher I will love reading this to my students, especially grades 1-3. Students learn about how to work with others despite difference, how to appreciate difference and the importance of friendship.
For those that love Winnie the Pooh and stories like that you will love the youthful feeling of this book.
The illustrations are also beautiful and I am sure I could create an art lesson about them somehow for my students.
I feel like stories about animals but with human personality allow young readers to not only immerse themselves in the book but also relate and make connections.
Great read!

I received this book to read through NetGalley and the publisher Algonquin Young Readers in exchange for an honest review.

A quiet, charming story that I couldn't put down.

Badger lives by himself in his Aunt Lulu's home doing Important Rock Work. One day there's a knock on the door that he keeps ignoring, until when he opens it and Skunk comes in and says he's Badger's new roommate. Badger is at a loss why Skunk is there, and then remembers the several unopened letters from Aunt Lulu. Skunk makes delicious breakfasts for them, and Badger is astounded that he is expected to then clean up. Skunk knows all the chickens in their neighborhood; Badger didn't realize chickens live around them at all. Skunk disrupts Badger's quiet space and when Badger lashes out, Badger realizes he has to make things right.

When I told my nearly three year old I was reading this book and described it to him, he said "Oh..." in this quietly happy voice and asked me to bring it home and read it to him. Klassen's illustrations are the perfect compliment to the story, and I loved Timberlake's world building. I can't wait for book 2. I can't wait to own book 1 and read it over and over, and share it with others. A pure delight.

I can't wait to share this book and series with my primary students. Badger feels he has very important work to do and ignores everyone and everything around him until a very unexpected guest shows up. I was smiling throughout as Badger slowly realizes what he has been missing. Not everyone wants a skunk around.

I honestly can't wait to see the finished version of this. Loved the quirky humour in this clever tale of tolerance with a pair of smartly drawn characters. Badger is the rigid rock enthusiast whose world is invaded by Skunk who is a delight. Through his experiences with Skunk, Badger's eyes are opened both to experiences he's missed and to his own behaviour which "revealed things about him that he'd rather not know and now he knew. He should change". I look forward to more in this series and I know this is one my younger reading group members will love.

This new take on the odd couple story was a great read aloud with my 3rd grader! She enjoyed the story for its humorous parts as well as for the morals. She also really liked the chickens, and hopes there are more books to come!

When there's a badger who has a meticulously tidy & organised house, studies rocks & has 'important rock work' that's been published you know this is going to be a story like nothing you've read before. With every new step, we meet new animal characters & learn their interests & habits.

A badger, named Badger, lives in his Aunt Lula's brownstone row house - Aunt Lula is a Pine Marten! This is where he enjoys a peaceful life & loves studying in his quiet, tidy house & likes his routine to be just so.

When a skunk named Skunk arrives, he's moving in, not just visiting Badger. This really turns Badger's life upside-down.

With 100 chickens coming for story-time with Skunk... this really is no ordinary story - & a Delivery Service with a Stoat in uniform adds to the charming list of characters.

Skunk is a great breakfast chef, even making breakfast for Badger on his first morning there, but then things change & some crazy activity brings chaos to Badger's calm, quiet world.

Badger later goes searching for Skunk & the chickens, rediscovering his own little town as he went. A bookstore - where Badger realised he's left his house in his bright pyjamas - a hotel with a vole as the receptionist! He even walked up the hill to the park but it was deserted. Where was everyone?

Will Badger ever find Skunk & the chicken? What really happened to that flying potato in Badger's kitchen? You'll have to read & find out.

Such a great adventure! With an entire character cast of animals, this is a fun, imaginative & truly original storybook. Elements of kindness & tolerance & the simple joy of pure imagination & adventure all rolled together.

Badger is perfectly content, living a quiet life in Aunt Lula’s brownstone where he’s surrounded by his favorite possessions and everything is just so. And then Skunk arrives, and suddenly everything is turned upside down - but maybe that’s not such a bad thing?

Skunk and Badger is occasionally a little too smart for its own good, but definitely a good recommendation for kids who enjoy such quietly humorous stories as The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Frog and Toad, or The Mouse with the Question Mark Tail. Together, Badger and Skunk learn the importance of listening and respecting differences, sharing responsibilities, and being open to new experiences - all lessons that readers young and old can certainly benefit from. I did feel that perhaps more care could have been taken with the way Skunk and Badger handled their differences - it was clear that while Skunk was a high-energy (perhaps even hyperactive) extrovert, Badger was an introvert with obsessive=compulsive tendencies and a definite hoarding problem. But overall, the odd couple made for a fun, gentle read sure to delight equally gentle readers.

Badger has everything just the way he likes it in Aunt Lula's quiet brownstone home. A rock room with all of his rock equipment and rocks artistically placed, a box room full of boxes, a tidy kitchen and a cozy bedroom, everything in its place and perfect. But then Skunk unexpectedly moves in (Badger should have read those letters from Aunt Lula) and takes over his box room, squishing all of his boxes, and turning it into a moon room. Now there are potato rockets flying around the kitchen, dirty dishes in the sink and chickens waiting to eat popcorn and hear stories in Badger's rock room. Though Badger tries to make the best of things, he soon loses his patience with Skunk. Sadly (no one wants a skunk) Skunk packs his suitcase and leaves. Badger has the brownstone to himself again. Just what Badger wants, or is it? Adorable, entertaining and timely. A beautiful and kind story about learning to accept and appreciate each others differences. Would make a great read aloud in K-2.

Wonderful story of friendship and coming to appreciate the gifts of those who are not our carbon copies

Absolutely charming. A whimsical tale of an unlikely friendship between a set-in-his-ways badger and a free-spirited skunk, complete with adorable illustrations by Jon Klassen. The book is deceptively simple—a relatively easy read for ages 8 and up—but contains an abundance of wisdom that can be gleaned by young and older readers alike. The story contains sweet and timely lessons in cooperation, communication, friendship and civility—all shared in such a gentle, droll manner that they never feels diadactic or treacly. Badger’s apology at the end of the book is my new favorite in children’s literature. I will be pre-ordering several copies of the hardcover for myself and for gifting this holiday season. Many thanks to Algonquin Young Readers and Netgalley for the ARC.

What a wonderful book! Skunk and Badger are an unlikely pair who form a unique friendship through sharing, respect, telling stories, cooking, and rocks. Did I mention there are chickens in this book? Oh, you are not prepared for the chickens in this book! Written in a casual, jaunty tone and illustrated by Jon Klassen’s rich, textured images, Skunk and Badger is sure to be a hit with young readers!

I received this ebook in exchange for an honest and fair review. This was an enjoyable book in which Badger learns many lessons. Skunk moving in brought Badger out of his house and away from his rocks to see the world outside his house. Character development was well done and the world building was great. I feel that this book would be a great read along and conversation starter in the classroom.

Wonderful—and quirky—things can happen if you let others in...literally. In Amy Timberlake’s, SKUNK AND BADGER (9/15/20), Skunk, an unexpected guest, causes a bit of a rift in Badger’s daily routine of seemingly all work and no play. Stubborn in his ways, Badger only has time for his “important rock work.” Skunk brings more than just his red suitcase to the townhouse and the two furry creatures have lots to “unpack” together. Sometimes surprising and even a bit messy, I enjoyed seeing their friendship evolve. Amy Timberlake easily captures two distinct personalities effortlessly and entertains while delivering lovely life lessons with humor and heart. This delightful story is complimented by beautiful illustrations by Jon Klassen who brilliantly portrays scenes of calm, chaos, and reflection. The first in a series, SKUNK AND BADGER will be a perfect read aloud about sharing what it means to be a good friend, taking chances, and welcoming change.

Skunk and Badger is a delightful story from Amy Timberlake of two unlikely housemates. Professional rock studying Badger is residing in his Aunt Lulus brownstone when a skunk shows up on his door with a twine tied suitcase, waiting to be invited in to share the home.

What ensue are events typical of any odd couple. The misunderstandings, frustrations and irritations are as real as the kindnesses and good will. However, will the good times be enough to temper chickens in the house, the odor of skunk spray and a rotting potato left in the corner?

This book warmed my heart as both Skunk and Badger become better mammals after self-reflection and appreciation for the uniqueness of the other. Something we all can learn.

This book is so much more than a children’s book; it’s written with love and humor and could be used for an adult book club just as easily. There are universal lessons here about tolerance and acceptance that everyone could learn from and I found skunk to be one of the best characters I’ve seen lately. This was just what I needed at this time.

Cute! I really liked the illustrations but I went into reading it thinking there would be more of them and it is set more as a chapter book. I liked Skunk and Badger and how their relationship changed and developed. Can't wait to read more in this series.