3rd book in a children's series about a pair of squirrels called the Dead Sea Squirrels named Merle and Pearl and their adventures with 10 year old Michael and his friends Justin and Sadie. Merle and Pearl help Michael with his homework assignments, encouraging him and teaching him the value of hard work and serving God and other people. The story is interspersed with fun illustrations. Mike Nawrocki was a co-creator of VeggieTales and the voice of Larry the Cucumber.

The third in the series, Michael and Justin are still keeping the secret of Merle and Pearl Squirrel, two squirrels previously well preserved in sea salt, who originally lived during the time Jesus walked the earth.

As church librarian, I'm always on the look-out for great new fiction for younger readers. This series, caught my eye and I read the first book in the series--I didn't love it, but decided to give the series another try.

This made for a short read, with cartoon style illustrations and with young reader friendly font. The third in the Dead Sea Squirrels Series, it wouldn't be a bad place to start as there are character bios and snippets of back story to help the reader start the series out of order if necessary.

I guess I just felt underwhelmed after reading this book, I felt the plot was too simple and short. I understand that it is written for younger readers, but I have read other books similar in target audience that had a more complex plot and stronger themes of faith and lessons. There are some fun original concepts here, and maybe if Michael and the squirrels interacted with each other more some of those concepts would come out stronger. Though humorous, sometimes I felt like it was trying too hard at times.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions are my own.