Skunk and Badger feels like a throwback to The Wind in the Willows and The Odd Couple. It is a great beginning chapter books with no violence and great character driven narrative.

A complete delight with charming illustrations and a whole lot of chickens, this is perfect for older fans of Frog and Toad and for anyone who wants a delightful story about friendship and overcoming prejudice.

I'm glad this is going to be a series. I thought the story was very classic in the telling of it. It had a lot to teach for children and adults and I look forward to seeing more of Skunk and Badger.

My thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for an eARC of this book to read and review.

I thought this was going to be a cute book geared towards the 6-9 year old set. It was more trouble-some than cute and I think an older reader would be able to follow this better.

It was troublesome to me because of the disregard for each other's feelings and needs that Skunk and Badger showed. Yes, it was the conflict that needed to be resolved, so there had to be some conflict, but the WAY it was portrayed did not sit well with me.

That may be more of my own issue, as I wasn't seeing the things happening form Skunk or Badger's POV, so maybe I wasn't empathizing with either very well. Also, since they are animals, it is difficult to determine what age they are. Are they akin to teenagers? Grown adults? Children? That would maybe help place their actions and thoughts into context. It seems that they are grown adults, as badger has a "rock science" degree and is published in "rock science" magazines. That bothered me, calling it "rock science" when he was a published scientist with apparently a degree. Why not call it by it's proper name?

It seemed that weird things, such as "rock science", were dumbed down, yet other things, Badger being a scientist and published, the stoat trying to eat the chickens, was not. This leads to my confusion over what age range this would be good for. Anthropomorphic animals and some artwork would lead one to think younger children, but then the science, cooking, cleaning and themes seemed to be a bit more adult.

Then the world didn't seem to be overly consistent. The mammals could speak, but the fowl couldn't, yet all were sentient? So were all carnivorous animals murderers? That's pretty harsh.

I don't know, this one just didn't work for me. The artwork was nice, but the story just ended up confusing me. Not sure who I would recommend this to at the store, other than if the reader likes anthropomorphic animals as characters. Maybe for readers of the Warriors series?

2, I was expecting something different, stars.

How can I ever describe this novel??? I LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!!!!! I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!!! This was one more novel added in the best books of 2020 list. I will tell you some things about the book so let's go.
*Points I liked.

This novel is mind-blowing. I am in so much love with this book. I have drooled over it for a week and I am still drooling over it right now. It is for the young teens that are between 7-15 years of age but still this book is magical. The concept of this novel is friendship and love. I couldn't get enough of this novel and I can't wait to read more of this author's books. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT SO MUCH. THIS BOOK IS THE BEST!!!! The best part of this book is its friendship and the love of two roommates. The way they adjust with each other and how they mingle about is just so fun to read. I want to reread the novel right now, it's that fun. This novel has some black and white pictures and they describe the story so well. This book is a genuine piece of art and no this is no paid review and no I am not exaggerating. This book is seriously very good. It has nice characters, they are well described although there is one problem that I will tell you later. The book is small but everything is awesome. This book is a firecracker. I have never loved any book so much. Now we are off to the only sad part of this awesome book.
*Points I Disliked.

This book is awesome and best of 2020 for me and all that but I did miss some things, for example, the description of Skunk and Badger was a little confusing. I sometimes got mixed up between both the characters and also there is a tiny part in the novel where there is a small part that totally confuses me. These two things were the only drawbacks in this novel.
But still, this novel was so good and awesome that I couldn't put it down. I finished this novel in just one sit. It was a beautiful concept and I can't wait to read more books from this author, I am seriously in love with her writing skills and her style.

Thank you to the author Amy Timberlake and Algonquin Young Readers for the digital copy of this book.

Always on the lookout for the transitional early chapter books for readers, I am eagerly waiting for the second book in this series and know others will be too after reading the first in the series – yes, it’s that good!

Badger lives in a brownstone house courtesy of his Aunt Lula and has important rock work to do. Badger has a set schedule so he can immerse himself in the important rock work, and as a result, he has ignored letters from his Aunt. When he is interrupted one day by a skunk, presuming he is a salesman with his suitcase wrapped with red twine around it. To his shock and his dismay, the letters he had ignored were to tell him that Skunk was coming to live with him in the brownstone. The two now have to learn to live with one another and chickens…lots of chickens.

Amy Timberlake’s characters will enchant readers, young and old, by pairing these two unlikely animal characters and their polar personalities. Skunk the optimist, cheerful to a fault and Badger laser-focused and set in his ways are loveable characters, and readers will see themselves in both of these new unique characters.

From Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and Jon Klassen
Part of the charm, of course, is the drawings by illustrator Jon Klassen, providing us with more insight into their temperament and life in the brownstone. A hilarious must-have addition to classroom and libraries, this will be a fun book to share with young readers and an engaging read-aloud.

OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR: One Came Home, That Girl Lucy Moon, and The Dirty Cowboy

OTHER BOOKS BY THIS ILLUSTRATOR: We Found A Hat, The Dark, and Triangle

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Gr. 1-4

Very quirky, very sweet story, but hard to determine an audience for this one. It seems geared toward younger readers but for the advanced vocabulary and length of the chapters/book. Would be fun to read with siblings if the younger ones can listen long enough and the reader has the patience to explain a lot.

CHILDREN'S

Skunk and Badger Book 1 by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Jon Klassen; Algonquin Books for Young Readers, 136 pages ($18.95) Ages 8 to 12.

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"Frog and Toad," move over. Newbery Honor winner Amy Timberlake teams up with Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen for the witty and wonderful first installment in a chapter book series about the oddest of couples, the unlikeliest of friends.

Timberlake paints a vivid portrait of Badger as a no-nonsense sort of creature, engaged in "important rock work," in the brownstone row house belonging to his Aunt Lula with meticulous detail to the tools of his trade, his rock tumbler, his rock hammers and saws, his rock identification materials, his delight in geodes and quartzite and tourmaline pegmatite. His solitary life is interrupted by the arrival of gregarious, noisy Skunk who Badger considers has "too much slick in [his] stripe, too much puff in his tail." Skunk is homeless ("Not everyone wants a Skunk," he whispers to Badger), and Aunt Lula has offered Skunk a bedroom in the house. Skunk declines the offered closet and claims Badger's former Box Room on the second floor.

"In a spot of lamplight, Skunk sat curled in the green beanbag chair with an enormous book open on his lap. Light from a reading lamp pooled on the book's pages. Across the room, moonlight streamed through the window onto a window seat lined with plump mismatched pillows. 'Moon Room', thought Badger."

Timberlake is a marvelous writer and there are laugh-out-loud lines as she escalates the annoyance factor posed by Skunk, who insists on cooking breakfast (hot chocolate, warm strawberry cinnamon muffins, eggs with roasted peppers) and leaving a mess in the kitchen he expects Badger to clean up. ("Peppers were set on fire - on fire! These were not the habits of the napping book reader.") Skunk complains about the racket of Badger's rock tumbler; he invites chickens into the house. Pushed to the limit, Badger lashes out at Skunk. There are deeper messages here, about acceptance, about judgment, about seeing someone as "less than." In a particularly magical scene, a song played on the ukulele becomes a peace offering.

The book has all the makings of a classic including marvelous full-color plates and black-and-white illustrations by the gifted Klassen, who is a native of Niagara Falls, Ont.

Badger is quite set in his ways and enjoys spending his time alone, doing Important Rock Work. When Skunk shows up at his door one day, announcing he is Badger's new roommate, the ideal life Badger thought he had gets turned upside down! He soon discovers that having Skunk around isn't all bad though and they settle into a new routine together. Skunk and Badger are both still very set in their ways however and the peace can't last forever but when Badger again finds himself alone, as he thought he wanted to be, he realizes that life with Skunk was actually pretty nice. This is a really sweet story about an odd-couple friendship. It is lifted by gorgeous illustrations by Jon Klassen. I can't wait to read more of Skunk and Badger's adventures.

Rock scientist Badger likes simplicity and predictability living alone in his Aunt Luna’s brownstone. One day, a suitcase carrying Skunk arrives on his doorstep. Apparently, Skunk is acquainted with his aunt and she offered him a room in her large home. Badger was informed; he just never bothered to read his aunt’s letters and now, his once solitary life is disrupted from doing important rock work. While Skunk is a good cook, he makes a mess in the kitchen. Skunk also befriends a lot of chickens inviting them into the brownstone adding more chaos. Tensions rise and Badger’s words and actions not only offend Skunk but also the chickens. After some soul searching, Badger realizes his wrong doing and wants to make amends, but will Skunk (and the chickens) accept his apology?

With themes of compassion, tolerance, acceptance, and forgiveness, Skunk and Badger is a charming and delightful tale of two opposite characters who eventually become unlikely friends. When Skunk first moved in, I empathize with Badger especially with the rocket potato incident. (Read to find out!) But I also recognized that Badger was lonely and much to his surprise, he did enjoy Skunk’s company. Since Badger narrates the story, readers get the pleasure of truly witnessing his transformation from recluse to friend. Timberlake’s witty dialogue is a joy to read and Klassen’s nostalgic black and white illustrations truly complement the text and bring the characters to life. Stay tuned for more adventures to come in the Skunk and Badger series.

Thanks to Workman Publishing/Algonquin Young Readers for sending an ARC of Skunk and Badger which recently released on September 15, 2020. Stay tuned for more adventures are to come in the Skunk and Badger series.

This is a great book for readers just beginning to read chapter books. I love Jon Klassen's artwork, which is what made me decide to pick up this book in the first place. It's funny, but also has a great underlying message. I will definitely recommend this to readers.

This book is an absolute delight! I dare you not to fall in love with these sweet critters and find out for yourself that everyone (should) want a skunk!

This was a odd book. On the one hand, I really liked certain passages, and others were painfully slow. The prose was stilted and awkward, and the whole time I felt like I was missing something--like I didn't quite "get it." Maybe it was the structure of the story, or the strange noises the characters made (that I couldn't quite "hear" in my head). The action changed so abruptly at times that I was confused how one event led to another. There were also several spots where the action was slow and drawn out (Badger's search for Skunk, for example). Overall, a quick and easy read, but I don't exactly understand the hype. I love Klassen's illustrations though, and it was a large part of why I continued reading.

I initially picked this up as a fan of Jon Klassen's illustrations, but I enjoyed the writing as well. Skunk and Badger are reminiscent of Frog and Toad, as are the earthy tones of the illustrations.

Skunk and Badger is a wonderful take by two titans of the children’s book world: Amy Timberlake wielded the words and Jon Klassen created the illustrations. I will not lie, I am a fan of both, but Jon Klassen is one of my all-time top five artists and when I was offered a chance at an early copy I leapt at it!

I was not disappointed! This is a gentle, hilarious tale of a budding friendship, misadventure, chickens and underscored by the virtues of tolerance and understanding,

Skunk and Badger is timeless! Although aimed at a young audience this tale will find fans in readers of all ages.

Okay, I know that my review is pretty low, but I do have my reasoning!!! I heard that this was such a cute and meaningful story that was one for the classics, but after finishing this short and yes sweet story, I was really only left with one major emotion coursing through my body... Aggravation. I was really aggravated and even put off by all that poor Badger had to give up and rearrange in his life because of the inconsiderate Mr. Skunk.. I felt like the moral was lost in all the crappy things Skunk did while being a complete nuisance. I guess Badger is a better being that I could ever be, because I would have been beyond angry and above being able to reconcile differences. There are a few things that I feel like Badger did that weren't particularly nice, but in the grand scheme of things Skunk really pushed my buttons. Maybe its the various different awful roommates I've had in the past that Skunk brought back to the forefront of my memory, but throughout this entire book I was very off put by all the annoying qualities of the Skunk... No wonder no one wanted him as a roommate. Harsh? Probably, but in the end things worked out good for the deviously little brat, so my opinion doesn't really make much of a difference.

I just couldn't get past how frustrated I was in order to fully enjoy this story. Skunk was really inconsiderate of others and a HORRIBLE roommate in my opinion and these little things got under my skin to the point that I really don't think that this was the story for me. While it may have been cute it was also extremely aggravating and I couldn't get over it.

This is a heart warming tale that we read aloud. It was so enjoyable to follow Skunk and Badger. This is a great book to use in homeschool as a read aloud

This was a quirky and fun book. It reminded me of Frog and Toad. Two very different animals become roommates and chaos (and friendship) ensue. Very endearing. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

My Thoughts
First Thoughts

When I first saw this book, I was immediately reminded of a childhood favorite The Wind in the Willows, and I knew I simply had to read this. The blurb reminded me other odd couples, and sweet reads, including the Frog and Toad series. And of course, both Wallace and Gromit as well as Winnie the Pooh as mentioned in the description. So of course NOTHING was going to stop me from devouring this read!

What I Loved
Simply put: Everything! This book is a delight.

THE STORY ITSELF
Amy Timberlake tells us of an unusual and heartwarming friendship, which is totally relatable, and teaches without being preachy or obvious about it.

We meet Badger, perfectly content being all by his lonesome self in Aunt Lula’s brownstone, eating the same meal each time, and doing Important Rock Work. Little does he realize that totally extroverted Skunk is just outside, and Badger’s life too, one who feels that breakfast is the most important meal of the day; and who loves stories.

Each one opens doors to new experiences and new things to learn for the other; and more importantly, friendships!

WHAT IT LEAVES US WITH
It shows that the words we use matter, so choose wisely; that it is OK to make mistakes and perfectly OK to say “I’M SORRY.” It teaches us not to judge others too quickly, for we never know what we might find; true friends, for example. The message of friendship and acceptance shine throughout this sweet read. And yes, the importance of a good (yummy) breakfast too!!

THE CHARACTERS
What is not to love about grunting, grumpy Badger (not really)? Or the effervescent Skunk? And I simply cannot forget the Chickens… they are everywhere, plus, they are quantum Chickens!! Then, there are those wonderful townspeople of this quaint town. I know I would love to know them better.

THE ILLUSTRATIONS
Jon Klassen’s illustrations are the perfect complement to the story. Beautiful, classic and whimsical, each one evokes and invites a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere that is just right.

THE EVERYTHING ELSE
- A quaint setting that takes you on journey to the woods, to rock-rooms, and to nostalgia filled towns with parks that fit every need (like reading trees, climbing trees, and of course swings and slides and such).
- All those totally creative and cute names for places and people (well, animals) and things; like the New Yak Times Book Review, and more!
- Humor and heart-tugs all in one.
- Breakfast!! Can someone make me strawberry cinnamon muffins now?
- A rock-room and a moon-room!! So of course, stuff to learn about rocks and the sky as well.
- And more to love too.. (not just in this book, but this is the first in a series)!!

For humor and heart-tugs with sweet morals all in one, check out Skunk and Badger!

In Summary
Timberlake’s heartwarming and joyous writing accompanied by Klassen’s frame-worthy illustrations make this a great read for young and old alike. So, of course, you need to get it for that young reader (who am I kidding? yourself too!) And it is on sale September 15th!!

Thank you to Algonquin Young Readers for providing me the physical ARC of this book; and for inviting me for the book tour. All opinions are my own.

Your typical odd-couple book, with some cute animals thrown in. The length and reading level will make it a good fit for ambitious young readers looking for titles that are longer and more sophisticated than some of the other beginning chapter books on the market, but the overall vibe seemed a little too old-fashioned to resonate with enough readers to find an audience in my library.