This book definitely has a place in a collection, helping kids step up from picture books to longer works. The plot is easy to follow and integrates text and illustrations well.

Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell by Melanie Watt takes a beloved picturebook character (one of my favorites to be honest) and lets him branch (ha!) into a new graphic novel series. It is currently scheduled for release on June 15 2021.

Scaredy is happy to stay in his nut tree. Why would he ever leave? The outside is filled with dangers. Like aliens! And dust! And a certain fluffy bunny who likes to pop up! But things don't always go as planned, even for a super-prepared squirrel. When he has to venture out of his tree and onto the ground, Scaredy panics and plays dead but maybe the fluffy bunny's not so scary after all? In a nutshell, Scaredy might just make a new friend, if he is brave enough.

Fans of Scaredy Squirrel will be gratified to see this collection of stories featuring or risk adverse friend, and newcomers will get a thorough introduction to the joy of his antics. Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell is not really anything new or surprising for those of us that loved the picturebooks- Scaredy is still scared of just about everything and makes some interesting choices to keep everything clean and safe. However, like with most long time favorites, a new twist is not necessarily what readers are looking for. The book looks just like I expect, with the same charming illustrations and and page layouts that I have always loved. The story is fun, sweet, and thoughtful- again just what I have come to expect from the author. I think that new and returning readers in the young and early reader groups will greatly enjoy the book, and it might be helpful for them in facing the worries people of all ages are having about going outside and facing the world again as things start to reopen.

Have you read any of Melanie Watt's previous "Scaredy Squirrel" offerings? Then you'll know what you're getting into with "Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell" -- more unintended adventures for everyone's favorite hypochondriac rodent. "Scaredy" books are loveable, as we root for the titular character to overcome his over-hyped fears to have an enjoyable day. Your kids should love the cheekiness of Scaredy. I recommend reading these aloud with a rapid-fire delivery to underscore Scaredy's skittishness.

I loved this book. Scaredy Squirrel is a great character and I believe my students will enjoy the book quire a lot.

A good addition for Scaredy Squirrel fans. Not my favorite but a nice option for a lengthier picture book.

I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publishing through NetGalley.
Scaredy is back and continues to make plans to protect his tree and not leave it. He shows readers his elaborate set up to keep the tree and himself safe from all enemies and concerns. A new neighbor arrives and hopes to become friends. They agree to meet and have pizza. As expected, this starts well but runs into catastrophe according to Scaredy.
Readers will love the continued humor in the easy to follow text and detailed illustrations.

I love me some Scaredy Squirrel. He has been a house favorite for years. Now he's in graphic novel format and is the perfect gift for new readers. It's on our beginners round table list for 2021. As usual, he is thinking of everything that can go wrong, and that's both funny and comforting to kids.

We are all scared of something. Doesn’t matter if you’re short or tall, kitty cat or little kid. Adults get scared too. But it seems scaredy squirrel is extra scared of everything. He takes a who,e to think things out and might appear to some as a little too slowly. But kids and parents alike will get some good belly laughs reading this book. Great storytime/read out loud book, too!
I received an advanced reader copy for free from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Such a cute little graphic novel!

I loved Scaredy Squirrel growing up and this is a great beginner graphic novel for reluctant or struggling readers or those who are getting older and still enjoy the Scaredy Squirrel world. This book centers around Scaredy's fear of germs and a reluctance to go outside of his home, which will make this book super relatable for a lot of children as we transition back to "normal," pre-pandemic life. This would be great for any kiddos worried about that transition back to the world, whether it's due to germ-related or social anxiety.

**I can't seem to open the PDF for this book. If there is a fix, I'd love to try again and read this.**
I have read many Scaredy Squirrel books in the context of my first grade classroom and love him as a character! He is silly, absurd, relatable, hyperbolic, and it's always a good time when the grown-up can enjoy the book just as much as the littles. I also really appreciate when authors adapt their children's books, that are initially geared at younger grades, and expand their series to "grow" with the kids. That is what Melanie Watt seems to be doing here-creating longer and more complex versions of this lovable and quirky character and his adventures. I hope I can get my hands on this one.

Thanks to Random House Children's + NetGalley for the e-ARC of SCAREDY SQUIRREL IN A NUTSHELL by Melanie Watt, expected pub date 6/15/2021.

Perfect for fans of Scaredy Squirrel picture books, this early reader chapter book is full of the humor and comedy we already know and enjoy. Perfect for young readers who are gaining confidence in their abilities, and especially those who enjoy the humor in illustrations as much as in the words of stories.

My first grade students love this Scaredy Squirrel series and I'm eager to share it with all of them.

Scaredy squirrel is back, this time in a graphic novel series. Scaredy squirrel’s adventures span three chapters and include a vacuum (?), pizza and a new friend. As in the picture book series, he spends the majority of his time in his nut tree thinking about everything that could go wrong.

Great illustrations, humor and simple text is engaging and perfect for young beginning readers. My 7 year old son and I read it together and couldn’t help smiling as we read. I plan to share with my students when it releases at the end of May as they are big Scaredy squirrel fans! Thanks NetGalley.

An adorable early reader that will have kids charmed, I’m sure. There’s also a deeper discussion to be had for the overly-cautious kids, but it doesn’t have to be that deep if it doesn’t need to be.

Oh my stars—a Scaredy Squirrel graphic novel for early middle grade readers? I’m in! Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell is everything we love about the Scaredy Squirrel picture books, but more of it! Melanie Watt has created a hilarious and adorable graphic novel for young readers that is just as fun for parents and older readers.

Scaredy Squirrel is a favorite in my elementary school media center. Now that Scaredy Squirrel will be featured in a graphic novel series, the fun will continue. Such features as The Warning in the opening pages followed by the Reader Security Quiz are so clever and funny which will delight young readers. The illustrations are so vivid and the issues so relatable. Delightful, as always!

Scaredly Squirrel is a go-to series for me. I love the humor, accessibility, and text features -- definitely a book I will incorporate in my literacy instruction.

This was a cute little book that I enjoyed reading for the most part. I like reviewing books like these to see if my preschool kids would enjoy listening to them. I believe that they would enjoy this one but older kids would enjoy it much more. Scaredy Squirrel books are funny at times and this one was too. Overall, I do think that this would be a great book for kids.

*Thank you to Netgalley for my arc of the book. All opinions are my own.*

Another adorable and hilarious book about the Scaredy Squirrel and his adventures. My daughters (age 3 and 7) both loved this book, but it was a bigger hit with the eldest. Part of the reason might be the format: this is a graphic novel chapter book. So far, we've only encountered Scaredy Squirrel in colorful paperbacks designed for a younger audience. My first grader truly loved this chapter format. We all love Scaredy Squirrel for reminding us of the downsides of taking yourself too seriously.

Thanks to Random House and #netgalley for graciously offering a complimentary e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This my be my Scaredy Squirrel book yet! I love Gary as usual, and the fluffy bunny tail was so cute! My kid loves having me repeat all of the lists. This was a winner!