I’m always on the lookout for family read-alouds. This is a gorgeous new take on the animal character, odd-couple friendship, in the vein of Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad.

Badger, the geologist, loves living alone in his Aunt Lulu’s brownstone, where he can concentrate on his “Important Rock Work.” She has kindly offered it to him rent free, “Untilyougetbackonyourfeet,” (she is a pine marten who says everything quickly). Until one day, Skunk comes knocking at the door at Aunt Lulu’s behest. Badger takes an instant dislike to Skunk, who has too much slick in his stripe, “too much puff in his tail.”

Skunk likes cooking gourmet food, but not cleaning up. He likes philosophical discussions and hanging out with chickmapolitan chickens. He is at risk of homelessness due to prejudice, but he doesn’t back down from asserting himself with Badger.

Over eleven chapters, see how Badger learns to appreciate what Skunk has to offer. And how Badger comes to behave in a way he can be proud of.

The luscious language helps Skunk and Badger read like an extended picture book:

Everywhere Badger looked, the earth moved with a chicken beat, syncopated in herks and jerks, and this eye, then that eye, then step-step-step, peer-peck!

The illustrations, by Caldecott medalist Jon Klassen, also help contribute to the special feel of this book. There are four full-colour plates and multiple black-and-white illustrations.

This book worked well with my children, aged 11 and 6, and I can imagine it being a successful classroom read-aloud for Years 2-5. It has all the makings of a modern classic.

A Novel Prescription for: Gently starting a discussion about stereotyping, cooperation and making friends.

Badger spends his time engaged in very important rock work, and his borrowed brownstone reflects his passion: very orderly and filled with his object of study. The last thing he wants is a roommate, but when Skunk arrives on his doorstep at the invitation of the brownstone’s owner, Badger has no choice but to allow him to stay.

Skunk is messy, he keeps moving Badger’s important things, he’s friends with chickens, and, well, he’s a Skunk. That Skunk can make excellent meals or takes him on surprising adventures doesn’t change his mind about Skunk at all—until he realizes he may lose Skunk forever.

Newbery Honor author Amy Timberlake and Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen (I Want My Hat Back) have created a funny, sweet, and heartwarming world. Although specifically written for ages seven to ten, Skunk and Badger can be read by all ages. It’s a delightful book to read out loud or as a first chapter book, and there are treasures to be found with each new reading. (One of my favorite adult jokes is a reference to a chicken coop d’etat.)

The book’s themes about friendship and community enriched by diversity (and its celebration of animals) resonate with me, and I absolutely loved the illustrations, some black and white, some full-color. This is a wonderful gift for middle readers, for friends and family members who need a joyful story, or for yourself if you want an uplifting, clever, and funny book.

This was such a heartwarming read by Amy Timberlake from Algonquin Young Readers. Skunk and Badger, each delightfully quirky, make up such an odd friendship. What results is an adorable book filled with lessons that can be applied for all ages. I recommend this for anyone looking for a quick, light, and uplifting read! The illustrations by John Klassen were great as well, I'll absolutely read the next one in this series!

This book is definitely written for kids, but there are so many important themes that adults can relate to and remember. Skunk and Badger deals with topics of friendship, understanding, patience, and adventure, all within the short expanse of this book.

The writing was beautifully done, feeling almost lyrical at times. Amy Timberlake infused the story with humor and sentiment.

It was such a nice book to read. I felt as though I had been transported to my own childhood and was reading The Wind in the Willows or Winnie the Pooh again. If you have children or enjoy a good children's story now and then, this is a must-have on your shelf. I read the ebook edition and I will definitely be going back for the physical copy.

I would also like to give a shoutout to Jon Klassen for creating beautiful artwork that captured the essence of the scenes in a thoughtful and elegant way. His black and white sketches, scattered throughout the book, are lovely to look at.

Looking for a cute kid’s book? I’ve got one for you: Amy Timberlake’s Skunk and Badger, illustrated by Jon Klassen! I found this book to absolutely delightful, in the same vein as Wallace and Gromit and Winnie-the-Pooh. It tells the story of Badger who is currently living at his aunt’s house and working on his IMPORTANT ROCK WORK (as a rock scientist) while he awaits his chance for an amazing job or grant. Badger is very good at concentrating on his work and has his routine down to an art. But all of this is pushed aside when a strange Skunk begins knocking at his door. He soon learns that his aunt has arranged for Skunk to be his new roommate and everything is suddenly turned upside down. Skunk and Badger are total opposites and must learn to coexist or one of them will be sent packing. Can they work out their differences? Will the neighborhood chickens learn to love Badger too? Will Skunk ever wash the dishes? Who leaves and who stays? Read this adorable book to find out!

Thank you to Algonquin Young Readers for this review copy and good read! To see my full review, please visit my website: https://wigginswords.com/2020/09/15/skunk-and-badger-1-by-amy-timberlake-book-review/

“Not everyone wants a skunk.”

– Amy Timberlake, Skunk and Badger #1

Animals paint an unlikely, but possible, analogy for humans in countless fables. Personified, they hold up a mirror to the reader, showing our imperfect nature. The animal kingdom, of course, is fraught with unforgiving tooth-and-claw indelicacies. Sometimes, Skunk and Badger teaches us, nature can be forgiving. Badger is a rock scientist and excavator who lives in his Aunt Lula’s brownstone. His work is solitary and all Badger requires is silent execution. A knock on the door interrupts his study, from rose-colored Skunk who is in need of a home and is offered room and board at the brownstone from Aunt Lula. Playful misunderstandings, magical hard science, and whimsical madness ensue for the curious roommates in the picturesque home ground of North Twist.

The characterization and onomatopoeic burbling of instincts are thoughtful and familiar. Badger and Skunk use the brownstone out of necessity, but the first’s austerity contradicts the latter’s audacity. The subtle ironies too (Skunk does not clean, but recycles) are welcome, unexpected spins on the all-work and all-play duo’s dynamic before they balance out. Amy Timberlake with Jon Klassen share a similar synergy comparable to Roald Dahl with Quentin Blake: stark, solemn, and remarkably silly. A poignant and palatable sense of change as good, or that anyone can change, and the contagions of cynicism, criticism, conformity, and complacency, Skunk and Badger paves the way for doing the right thing and for meaningful and respectable friendships, even with ourselves.

Y'all, do you ever just read a book that makes you smile? That's Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake with illustrations by Jon Klassen. This is an absolute delight of a story. Badger reluctantly gets a roommate in Skunk. The two could not be more different, and Badger really struggles with this. However, with time, he softens to this unlikely pal. For me, this was reminiscent of Frog and Toad, another unlikely duo I adore! These were just such wonderful adventures (and I cannot wait to read more) that would be great for kids, families and really anyone who loves woodland creatures and/or opposites attract stories.

I had been trying to win Skunk and Badger on Goodreads for quite awhile, so when Algonquin Young Readers asked if I'd be interested in reading and reviewing it, I literally squealed. The story is adorable and full of important learning opportunities for children and the illustrations thrill my vintage loving heart. They're just so full of warmth and charm, perfectly matched to the writing and story itself.

This is a story of odd couples. Think Oscar and Felix, Frog and Toad, Wallace and Gromit...odd couples that make friendship work despite all their quirky differences. Now we can add Skunk and Badger to these charming duos.

Badger lived alone, in the tidy brownstone that belonged to his Aunt Lula, and kept to himself doing his important rock work. One day Skunk turns up at the door with his little red suitcase, excited to be Badger's new roommate. Badger, however, never read the letters from Aunt Lula, so he had no idea he was going to have a roommate. He was less than happy about it, especially as he started seeing Skunk's lively, outgoing, personality.

throughout the story, we see Badger being quick to judge and not okay with change. Badger slowly learns that different doesn't equal bad, it's just different from him and what he knows. He learns acceptance of others and change, caring, how to build friendships. It isn't all smooth sailing and things do go awry midway, and I love the way Timberlake had them work their way through the difficulties. The humor peppered throughout helped keep it lighthearted for kids.

I can't wait to see more adventures of Skunk and Badger!

Thank you Algonquin Young Readers and Amy Timberlake for my review copy!

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake
Middle Grade, Fiction
Algonquin Young Readers | September 15th, 2020
4/5 Stars

Badger has been living in his Aunt Lula’s brownstone for a while and has manage to sort of make it his own. He enjoys having the brownstone and somewhere to do his important rock work.

While doing his important rock work one day, he hears an unexpected knock on the door. Knowing it can’t be Aunt Lula, he continues his work and ignores. Badger finally answers the door to a chicken until Skunk comes around the corner with his suitcase. Skunk waists no time making himself at home, touching Badger’s things. Each of them are different in their own ways but eventually realize they make good friends.

This was a cute book about how you can still be friends with someone who is doesn’t like the same things as you or does things differently than you. This book would be great for middle grade readers. I’m glad I was able to take part in this blog tour.

Thank you, NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for this arc in return for an honest review.

This was adorable and nostalgic and everything we need to save us from 2020. A badger in a rut meets a skunk looking for a roommate—things will never be the same. Oh, and also there are chickens.

Writing: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★★

Badger is an Important Rock Scientist. He does Important Rock Things in his rock room, which is the living room of a brownstone building that his Aunt Lula lets him live in. Badger doesn't explore the city, he eats cereal everyday, and he never—ever—receives guests.

Then one day there is a knock at the door. Skunk has arrived.

Skunk was also told that he could live in Aunt Lula's brownstone. Aunt Lula thinks Badger needs a roommate. Aunt Lula also thinks Skunk needs a place to call home. (Life isn't easy for a skunk.) Badger didn't think he needed a roommate, but Lula owns the house so... Skunk is here to stay.

But it quickly becomes clear that Badger and Skunk have different ideas about life, noise, and...chickens?

What a cute, beautiful, heartwarming, and beautifully illustrated tale about two unlikely characters discovering what it means to be good. Skunk and Badger is the perfect tale for kids—the pleasing repetition of themes and sentence structure begs to be read aloud—and the themes of acceptance and love are applicable for all ages.

I loved reading this as an adult, so don't be shy! Beautiful story.

Thank you to Algonquin Books for Young Readers for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Rating: 4 stars
NetGalley Rating: 5 stars

Badger lives a blissfully quiet life attending to Important Rock Work in his brownstone house that his Aunt Lula lets out to him. But Badger became so focused on his work that he’s forgotten to keep on top of reading his mail in his mail pail, and is shocked when Skunk shows up at his door and promptly moves in as Badger’s roommate! Badger’s patience is tested by his new, outgoing roomie and tensions and amusing incidents (many involving chickens!) ensue.

This was a delightful story about how it can be harmful to stay TOO stuck in your ways and limiting yourself to hermit-like seclusion, as Badger does. You still need some outside perspective every now and again, and that’s what Skunk brings (albeit Skunk can also be a bit pushy in his ways). Badger’s love-hate relationship with Skunk culminates in a very realistic argument, and a very thoughtful quest for redemption on Badger’s part. The emotions that Badger feels throughout come across very strongly, and makes it all the more a good story, in addition to making it a good teaching moment.

I loved reading this, and the chickens brought a lot of joy and humor into an otherwise serious plotline. The illustrations were amazingggg and I wish there had been more of them! Definitely recommended for anyone, of any age, who enjoys cozy animal fiction!

What an adorable read!

Badger a solitary and scholarly rock collector lives alone in his Aunt's brownstone. That is until skunk comes to stay. His life changes, with the wonderful skunk as the catalyst. Where he once dined on cereal and milk he know tastes muffins and hot chocolate. His life is turned upside down. Then there's the chickens. I love the tiny orange chicken.
Just as Badger is starting to learn about caring and sharing it all goes terribly wrong.
Accompanied by charming colored plates and pen and ink illustrations enhance the story. Wonderful elements about differences and acceptance are woven around these two main characters. Some humorous moments that lift this junior and middle school story into the company of some of our best loved stories for the young.

An Algonquin Young Readers ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Skunk and Badger, written by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Jon Klassen, is utterly charming. As the title suggests, it tells the story of a skunk and a badger, aptly named Skunk and Badger, who become roommates. While Badger is serious and focused on his Important Rock Work, Skunk is more carefree, interested in having fun, eating good food, and entertaining chickens.

The writing is sharp and sweet, with several hysterical little chicken puns, and clever wordplay throughout. The characters are archetypes, but also manage to have their own personalities and quirks, even those who only appear on the page briefly.

Fans of Wallace and Gromit, Frog and Toad, or any other odd-couple will be sure to love this quaint, silly, completely charming story.

Thank you to Algonquin Young Readers and NetGalley for the ARC!

I thought this was a cute book. I read it with Colt and we enjoyed the Illustrations by Jon Klassen as well as the story that @amys_writer_photos tells us about Skunk and Badger. I think its a great book for toddlers up through elementary school age. It has some subtle life lessons throughout the book that I think is great for adults and kids alike to learn or refresh in their lives. I like the banter back and forth between Badger and Skunk and its fun to follow along as their unlikely friendship blooms.
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THANK YOU TO KELLY AT @algonquinyr FOR THE ADVANCED READERS COPY!

This book is adorable! Badger finally has his home the way he wants it. A cozy life, all by himself. When Skunk shows up on his doorstep to stay, Badger doesn't like it. Skunk upsets the way Badger lives, even throwing a party for him, which Badger doesn't react well to. Toward the end of the story, Badger realizes that Skunk has brought so much life to his home, and has changed him in many ways.

This story was a wonderful portrayal of acceptance and change, something we can all relate to. The art is amazing and well done. I loved this whole book and will share it with my younger children.

My review will be live on the blog Book Confessions on 9-15-20.

Felix and Oscar, right? In the 1970s, there was a television show called The Odd Couple based on a play by master humorist Neal Simon. Well, put Tony Randall and Jack Klugman in animal form and you have Skunk and Badger. Badger is a neat freak, a little bit OCD, focused on doing Important Rock Work, which, I must admit, is something I didn't associate with badgers before. Skunk is of a different stripe (ahem) altogether and when he shows up (unexpectedly, due to Badger's oversight), at Badger's abode, all sorts of awkwardness ensues. The process by which that awkwardness turns to appreciation and friendship is delightful to behold, abetted by some other interesting critters. This is a wonderful story that can be equally enjoyed by children and adults. Oh, and the illustrations are a hoot; they make the characters come alive. Who knew that a character typically regarded as odious could be so sweet! Everyone could use a bit of this Skunk in their lives.

Skunk and Badger is a new book from Amy Timberlake that is due out on September 15th. I received this book for free from Algonquin in turn for my honest review.

As soon as I started reading, I knew this book was going to be timely. Badger is staying in his Aunt’s Brownstone, when Skunk shows up on his doorstep. Badger is not happy about this. Throughout the story you see Badger making quick judgments of things he doesn’t understand or feel comfortable with. He also makes judgments of Skunk as well.

I’m not going to say more, but go read this book! It shows children that words matter, and to not be quick to judge people/animals who may not be like you. Lastly, you may find friendships in unexpected places.

This odd couple pair is perfect. What to do when you are a badger with important rock work to do. You get to work...but there is this incessant knocking. Who could it be? None other than the very outgoing, Skunk! Wait...Skunk? Don't they...you know...do that thing that skunks do? Why is he always talking, and doing things, and where are these chickens coming from?! Badger is not at all sure this is going to work out. He needs quiet, he needs solitude. He finds that what he really needs is a good friend. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. #netgalley #SkunkandBadgerSkunkandBadger1

I don’t read a lot of middle-grade books, but when I was that age, I devoured them. So, it was really nice to dive into one of these and be reminded how magical and glorious the stories can seem. “Skunk and Badger” has been described as a cross between “Wallace and Gromit” and “Wind in the Willows” (with a dash of “Winnie the Pooh” thrown in), and I love this characterization.

The story, by Amy Timberlake, is told from the point of view of a Badger (named Badger obviously) who does Very Important Rock Work (as he calls his studies of geology). He lives simply and quietly in a brownstone that his Aunt Lula lets him reside in. One day, Skunk arrives saying that Aunt Lula has offered him a home in the brownstone as a roommate to Badger. Badger is completely dismayed and horrified that his space will be taken over by another animal (especially one with some rather loud and annoying habits). The two form a rather tenuous relationship with highs (when Skunk makes Badger delicious breakfasts in the morning) and lows (when Skunk invites all of the neighborhood chickens over for storytime). The two animals must learn to compromise and come together in their living space so that they can both live in harmony.

Timberlake’s writing is joyful and has a wonderful sense of humor to it. It’s one of those children books that has plenty to offer adults who might be reading along with their kids. Also, the illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen are a great addition to the text – both fun and entertaining.

There are so many heartwarming moments in this book that had me smiling (and one part that had me tearful). But the overall message of acceptance and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes (or paws?) is one that all children should learn. I’ll definitely be recommending this and will happily await the next adventure following these two animals!

Thank you Algonquin & Algonquin Young Readers for this advance copy of this adorable book! We had three readers here in this house to review this book – myself, my 9-year old son, and my 8-year old daughter. We all found this quirky book about an odd-matched friendship between Skunk and Badger to be very sweet and the illustrations were beautiful! I think the recommendation for appropriate ages (7-10) and grades (2-5) was perfect – although my younger daughter was a bigger fan than my son who is more into older/fantasy books, so may skew closer to her age. Overall, such a cute addition to the young reader space!