Sam Squirrel by Suzanne Selfors is the first book in a new series called Willow's Woods. Sam is part of a family that includes a mother, father, and brother. Sam is good at making lists but not so good at foraging, which makes him feel bad sometimes. When the First Day of Spring comes and Winter fails to end, the forest animals send Sam with a list of concerns to Mother Nature. Prince Errol of the Elks gives Sam a ride. Instead of finding Mother Nature, Sam meets Willow, Mother Nature's granddaughter. Mother Nature has taken off on a cruise and asked Willow to house sit for her. It seems that Willow's grandma took off in a hurry, forgetting to put the cold North Wind away for a long nap. Sam and Willow must work together to catch the North Wind, so that winter can end and spring can begin. This first book is a charming start to a new series that covers friendship, family, community, and nature while spinning a fun tale for newly independent readers.