Skunk and Badger (Skunk and Badger 1)

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.

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.

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.