Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. This was a lot of fun and I loved the narration. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Skunk and Badger and laughed out a lot about the chickens.

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake
Narrated by: Michael Boatman
Publication Date: September 15, 2020 - Available Now!!
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Description from NetGalley...
“No one wants a skunk.

They are unwelcome on front stoops. They should not linger in Important Rock Rooms. Skunks should never, ever be allowed to move in. But Skunk is Badger’s new roommate, and there is nothing Badger can do about it.

When Skunk plows into Badger’s life, everything Badger knows is upended. Tails are flipped. The wrong animal is sprayed. And why-oh-why are there so many chickens?
“Nooooooooooooooooooooo!””

Thank you to @NetGalley @workmanaudio for the audiobook in return for my honest review.

My thoughts...
Okay, this is a middle-grade book and listening to it was so fun. This audiobook had me totally laughing out loud while doing chores that my husband had to ask me if I was okay. After last week and today, this was the book I needed. I even tried listening to it before bed (I usually listen to audiobooks to help me sleep) and this one kept me up. Parents and caregivers, listen to this with your kiddies, this is one hilarious story-time. The story was sweet. I would say it was like “The Odd Couple” for children. It was a story of kindness, friendship, acceptance and patience. The narrator, Michael Boatman (you may know him from Spin City) was fantastic! I want him to tell me a story every night. So grab a mug of hot chocolate, cuddle up and listen to Boatman tell you how a Skunk and a Badger could be friends.

Delightful audio book for Middle Grade. An odd couple relationship between Skunk and Badger, has some humorous moments sure to bring a smile. The cast includes some chickens that brought an extra layer of amusement to the story. And there is plenty of potato, breakfast, rock, and chicken talk.

The narration on this audio was outstanding! All characters were clearly defined, the voice inflection was perfect in pitch, pace, and power. I can not praise the narrator, Michael Boatman, enough. I can totally picture a group of children listening to his reading, totally enthralled. Excellent!

My only issue, at nearly 3 hrs for children's book, it seemed just a bit too long. My kids attention span is usually around the 2 hr mark, so for us, the book wasn't real practical for a full-through, one time listening session.

My thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me an ARC, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Skunk and Badger was delightful and funny. Reminiscent of the relationship between Felix Unger and Oscar Madison of the sitcom, The Odd Couple, the interchange between Skunk and Badger was so entertaining.

Forced to share his aunt’s brownstone with Skunk, Badger begrudgingly accepts his new roommate; but not without a fuss. That is where all the entertainment begins.

Skunk and Badger was available as an audiobook with Michael Boatman, an accomplished actor, as the narrator. Mr. Boatman did an outstanding job in the telling of the story. Mr. Boatman was able to capture the essence of all the characters by changing inflection, tone and voice. You will want to listen to the book over and over.

I thoroughly enjoyed Skunk and Badger. It’s a sensational audiobook that will make you laugh, smile, and tug at your heartstrings all at the same time. It’s definitely a five star middle grade audiobook.

I received an audiobook from Workman Audio, through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

3.5 stars

Skunk and Badger are, indeed, “The Odd Couple” for kids.

Badger has been living peacefully on his own in an old Brownstone owned by his aunt when Skunk shows up and announces that he is there to be his roommate. Badger, set in his ways, does not adjust well to this intrusion.

I thought this story was very cute and, needing a reprieve from a reading challenge that has been wearing me down, it fit what I was looking for perfectly.

Badger seems to be the introvert of the story while Skunk is, undoubtedly, an extrovert. Trust me, I get Badger’s predicament. As lovable as Skunk was, I’d have trouble having my living situation thrown out of sorts, as Badger’s was. Learning flexibility is tough when you’re well-set in your ways!

Because of the comparison to Winnie-the-Pooh, I was expecting something a bit more heartwarming. Although it wasn’t as touching as I’d hoped for, it is a sweet story about finding friendship in the most unlikely places, and it offers a good dose of entertaining humor for young readers. I enjoyed getting to know Skunk and Badger and I think the target audience will be quick to fall in love with these new characters.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy. All opinions are my own.