This is a fun and entertaining story combining a bunch of distinctive characters. The writing is as much for adults as children. Meaning in a silly way that adults can relate, such as the often silliness of being scared. The storytelling is well done, as is the layout of pages and story.

This is not a simple little tale, but one of complexity with little twists and a nice pacing of intrigue as to just what is going on. Humourous bits sprinkled throughout. A nice bit of clever writing.

The dialogue writing is drawn very much from contemporary language heard in the Media and the book will date itself sooner than later.

I just finished the agonizing task of reading 'Batman: Detective" coming out soon. This 'Scaredy' book is better across the board. Better written, plotted, drawn and, most importantly, overall story telling. I wish the folks who produced the Batman book would regard a surprisingly superior entry as this.

The artwork is very simplistic, but work with the style of writing. Especially aids the side posts and scattered notes.

Need to note that if a reader is against astrology, they may be against the running notes of astrological symbols.

This is one exception to my otherwise nearly entirely panning books available through NetGalley. My intent was not to be so critical. I've been surprised just how awful content has been being produced. I find solace in reading only material 30 or 50 years or older.
Glad to find one of the very few available through Netgalley to recommend.

Bottom line: I recommend this book. 10 out of 10 points.

I have been a fan of Scaredy Squirrel since my shy child read Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend about 5-6 years ago. I read that book so many times and found it to be hilarious and so accurately capture the anxiety that some young children feel when trying to make new friends. This book did not disappoint! It was well written, easy to follow and even my toddler enjoyed looking at the pictures to see what would happen next.

Scaredy Squirrel receives a large crate and worries and wonders about what could be inside. He tries to think of ways to get it away from him to Antarctica so he doesn't have to open it and face what's inside. His friends try to help him to see that surprises can be fun.

Love this series and I will continue to read them all!


Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Childrens for access to this ARC.

I really couldn't read the book. I downloaded it to my Kindle but the pages seemed to be all chopped up and mixed up and I wasn't able to make heads or tails of it.

I have read most of Watt's Scaredy Squirrel books, and I really enjoyed her second graphic novel. It features chapters, which children in grades 2-5 are sure to like, and it even teaches a few science concepts. Most of all, it broadcasts Melanie Watt's terrific sense of humor and provides a good-natured look at anxiety and irrational fears. Her graphic novel is bound to get even anxious children laughing and willing to look at their own fears. This title also addresses stretching beyond self-imposed limits, trying new experiences, and making accommodations for good (and sometimes quirky) friends. This will be popular with those who enjoy Scaredy Squirrel books, early chapter books, or a steady graphic novel diet.

Scaredy Squirrel Gets a Surprise is a humorous graphic novel about a squirrel who is over-anxious and unwilling to take risks. His absurd ideas about the dangers that may lay in store for him will have children giggling. In the end, he learns that unknowns are not always bad and can even be fun.

Second in the "Scaredy Squirrel" graphic novel series, these slightly longer and more intricate stories maintain the series theme of an overly anxious squirrel whose doomsday "what ifs?" make simple tasks both ridiculous and complicated. The best audience is probably kids who love being read picture books but want more content to examine, so this book has you flip pages to discover what horoscope sign each of the characters are and has plot timed callbacks to things like "Libra: You'll get a surprise!" or the friendship test at the beginning where you are asked to decipher nautical signs. The highly wound tone of Scaredy Squirrel is what carries an otherwise simple story where the squirrel gets an unexpected package and is too worried about what's inside it to open it.

Even though it's a bit advanced for my 3 year old, he loves reading it. He loves the images and the characters, and the repetition of ideas/phrasing makes it easy for him to follow along. I have a feeling he'll still be loving this book even once he's old enough to read it himself. I love this series, and this book did not disappoint.

Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of pretty much everything. When a mysterious crate arrives, there is no way that Scaredy is going to open it, no matter how much his friends insist... but while he's playing dead, his friends and family come up with the perfect way to encourage Scaredy to say Yes for once, and Scaredy discovers that it's OK to try something new.

I've always loved the Scaredy squirrel picture books (and my kindergartners do too!). They tended to be on the long side, especially with all the quirky details, which didn't always go over well with my younger readers. I'm therefore delighted that this series has progressed to bite-sized graphic novels with chapter breaks. This makes so much sense and allows kids to grow up with the series. Of course, the safety tips and moments of humor are always key points. I can't wait to see more!

Just when I thought I have read the best Scaredy Squirrel adventure, another one appears! I love the illustrations, the clever banter and Scaredy”s buddies. Scaredy makes me smile!

This is a fun easy graphic novel. It's perfect for new readers looking to get into graphic novels. The text is easy to read, with bold lettering. The layout of the book is easy for a new reader to follow along. The art is cute and fun. The story is funny and engaging. Great for fans of the Narwhal and Jellyfish series.

Scaredy Squirrel is always popular in my school library. In this adventure he receives a mysterious and wants to send it to penguins in Antarctica. Switching to graphic novel format, like Narwhal and Jelly is a perfect fit for Squirrel and his friends. I will say that as an adult I find these book almost too silly but my kiddos love them. For K-3rd grade. Can't wait to add it to my library shelf.

This was a super adorable book with a very anxious little squirrel at the Center of it. He is not sure at all about surprises, so when an unidentified crate turns up, he’s sure the best idea is to send it to Antarctica. Much assistance from his friends and hilarious incidents later, Scaredy Squirrel realises maybe surprises aren’t all so bad after all.

I’m going to hand this to my 9yo who I think will enjoy it, but this would be a great book for younger anxious kids, and full of fun hilarity for all kids.

Another super fun installment of Scaredy Squirrel and his anxious the most worried kids don’t hold a candle to the lists and plans Scaredy Squirrel makes.

Scaredy squirrel receives a surprise but he's as always scared to open it, then scared to use it. But with the help of his friends they have some fun! Hilarious fun with scaredy squirrel & friends!

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

Based on the questions at the beginning of the book, I got a score of 4 so I was able to read the book. However, I would have liked to have seen a chart of the nautical signs in order to help identify the message in the quiz.

Scaredy Squirrel is at it again when a mysterious crate is delivered to his tree. He is worried about what could be inside. With the help of his friends, he brainstorms the contents. They make a plan, but eventually opens the crate to find the surprise.

Children will love this book, like all of the other books in the series.

Great questions to ask students during the reading include the following.
1. What is their horoscope?
2. What do you think is inside the crate?
3. What would you write on the sticky note?
4. Would the sticky notes make the crate heavier?
5. Where is Antarctica?
6. What is knitting, and why is he doing it?
7. Why did Scaredy skip number 1, and what is it?

Scaredy Squirrel books are always fun and include laugh-out-loud events for kids and adults.
Highly recommended for elementary school libraries.