I'm so happy my favorite dynamic duo, Skunk and Badger, are back once again. Amy Timberlake does a great job writing for a middle grade audience, keeping a bit of humor and a smidgeon of absurdity in her writing time and time again.

My Thoughts
First Thoughts
So I read book one last year and fell in love with Skunk and Badger (a little more with Badger than Skunk, if I am honest!). It naturally followed that I had to read book two and follow these two adorable characters on more adventures. I am so glad I did!!

What I Loved
Just like I said about Skunk and Badger, I love everything! This book is a delight.

THE STORY ITSELF
What do you do when you find yourself needing to get away, even from that most comfortable brownstone you love? Well, Skunk and Badger go on a rock-finding expedition!

In Egg Marks the Spot, Skunk and Badger wear those packs for their backs and trudge, trudge, trudge their way out of their brownstone.

Their destination: Campsite #5 on Endless Lake.
Their mission: a) getting away, and b) A Very Important Rock Expedition.
Between Skunk’s yellow Sunsett Adventures backpack with a seemingly endless capacity and Badger’s Heave Ho Hauler backpack, they have packed everything they need for time in the woods; be it a ukulele or cast-iron pots, or snacks and ingredients for every kind of meal.

This sequel definitely made me fall in love all over again with the characters and their whimsical wooded world!

THE CHARACTERS
Of course I love Skunk and Badger, and of course, those quantum chickens too!! Yes, this series has quantum chickens. And while I am yet to meet one of the yaks mentioned in the book, I love them already! For who wouldn’t love a yak who loves to read, and better yet, knows how to write wonderful book reviews? Then there is weaselly Fisher, Badger’s cousin and kind-of-the-villain of the tale. I always enjoy reading about the quirks and weaknesses of weaselly villains, don’t you?!

Like with any good book in a series, this one offers up old, familiar, and loved characters (and discovering unknowns about these old familiars) along with new ones that are bound to surprise and delight the reader. You should read the book to learn about them 🙂 (Did you think I was going to offer more information on them???)

THE ILLUSTRATIONS
I simply don’t know what else I can say than what I said for book one! But here is my attempt.

Jon Klassen’s illustrations charm and delight all over again! As before, they perfectly complement the tale of this darling duo. They add that perfect atmosphere wherever you find them – mystery, thrill and adventure, the comfort of food and friendships, and well, just about anything that is needed.

THE EVERYTHING ELSE
Some of it remains the same as for book one with some updates for book two.

Caves and Jurassic surprises, campsites that are simply made for you, and a beautiful lake with perfect skipping stones! What more does one need on a trip to the wild?
Still can’t get over those totally creative and cute names for places and people (well, animals) and things; like the New Yak Times Book Review, and more!
All those sound effects, the clever use of action to illustrate the “actions speak louder than words” saying, and the cleverer use of the right words!
So much learning cleverly inserted into this book; rocks and minerals (of course), recipe ideas from Skunk, as well as camping and hiking tips sneak their way in as we read Egg Marks the Spot. Books like this awe me
The humor and heart-tugs combination continues in this book, while we also grapple with concepts like guts (literally) and good old-fashioned greed!
And once again, so much more to love (read book one again, and then let the waiting begin for the next in the series!)

WHAT IT LEAVES US WITH
In addition to all the learning and that heartwarming feeling, as well as those smiles that overpower us from time to time as we read the book, it also leaves us (well, me at least) with:

A desire to go camping in the woods and to go spelunking,
The need to simply spend time with loved ones some more..
Oh, and also to get one bright yellow Sunsett Adventures backpack for myself along with some Moving Mussels to help me haul it!
In Summary
Timberlake and Klassen have once again created magic; magic you need to get your hands on (well, eyes on) now. So no matter how old you are, get this book, read it out loud (it is a requirement).

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

Roomates Badger and Skunk live in Aunt Linda's brownstone. They get along just fine as roommates Each with their own obsessions. Skunk is collecting the book review part of the newspaper. Once Skunk's neighbor Hedgehog return home he starts taking the book review part of the paper Skunk wants. This makes Skunk very angry and he decides to take a trip with Badger.

This is a story for all ages. It presents more as children's book but its also just an easy and enjoyable read. I really enjoyed reading another book in this series and hope there's more to come.

I did not enjoy this as much as the first in the series, and it doesn’t quite work as a stand alone, but I think kids will enjoy the unexpected plot twist at the center of the book

Egg Marks the Spot is a funny chapter book with a sophisticated sense of humor that doesn't talk down to kids, making it fun for adults to read aloud. I appreciated the challenging vocabulary and the cute illustrated elements and illustrations peppered throughout the story.

A fun follow-up to Skunk and Badger. Readers will LOVE revisting curmudgeonly Badger and effervescent skunk as they embark on a grand (and very important rock work) adventure. Jon Klassen's illustrations are absolutely delightful!

Skunk and Badger are back! Everyone's favorite duo that makes such an adorable friendship is ready for another adventure, tracking down a secret treasure stolen from Badger, the Spider Eye Agate. This final treasure will complete Badger's famous rock collection; the adventure will distract Skunk from his missing Sunday New Yak Times Book Review; what do they have to lose? A must-read for clever dialogue, heartwarming friendships, lessons, and adorable illustrations!

When I was approached by Kelly of Algonquin Young Readers to review Egg Marks the Spot I jumped at the chance as I had seen Skunk and Badger around and was intrigued. First thing I did was to read the first in this series and I was not disappointed. There is a separate review for that.

In this book Egg Marks the Spot both Skunk and Badger have their own story throughout which was good and I loved how they came to help each other. I am getting vibes of the odd couple meets Wind in the Willows especially when you look at Jon Klassen's wonderful illustrations which are a mixture of black and white and colour illustrations.

My favourite thing of all was the science and geology Amy weaves throughout the story and I found this fascinating and spent time and googled the subject as I was reading so thank you for that as I learnt a lot. One last thing when you read this book make sure you have eaten a good meal because if you hadn't you would totally be tempted by the food Skunk made for himself and Badger.

For all these reasons I have given Egg Marks the Spot 4 massive stars.

I enjoyed Egg Marks the Spot as much as the first Skunk and Badger book! The adventure begins when Skunk discovers that an old nemesis plans to come and take his precious New Yak Times Sunday Book Review. Wanting to avoid confrontation, he persuades Badger to go on a rock-finding expedition to hunt for a new spider-eye agate that will replace the one his cousin stole from him years ago. Their trip hits a few bumps when Badger's aforementioned cousin Fisher shows up, and an unexpected Chicken leads to an incredible discovery. Can the friends learn to stand up to the bullies in their lives, when the stakes become a matter of life-and-death? Will badger find a new rock, and will Skunk ever get to read the Book Review again? Find out in this hilarious, sharp-witted adventure, with brilliant illustrations by Jon Klassen. Amy Timberlake's writing is full of wry humor and clever wordplay. My big question is: when will Netflix or Disney+ bring these stories to the screen?

Skunk and Badger are so charming. This newest adventure strengthens their friendship, takes unexpected twists, and introduces some hilarious and suspicious new characters. Timberlake and Klassen together have such a delightful cozy adventure series that will hopefully continue far into the future.

After launching Skunk and Badger into the world to great acclaim, Amy Timberlake returns with EGG MARKS THE SPOT, a Skunk and Badger story that sees the beloved characters out on a rock finding expedition, where they encounter adventure and good humor along the way.

At the heart of this adventure is the Spider Eye Agate lost from Badger's collection years ago at the hands of his nefarious cousin Fisher. Also entering the picture is the mysterious Mr. G. Hedgehog and the drama of Skunk's missing New Yak Times Book Review. Puns and humor abound in this latest installment, though there is more focus on action than on the relationship between good-natured Skunk and prickly Badger. Perfect for those young readers looking to stretch their perseverance into longer chapter books but not quite ready for the density and complexity of some middle grade novels.

Timberlake also incorporates the science behind Badger's rock fascination throughout, so attentive readers will pick up on the geology lessons even as they wonder what will happen to the mysterious egg encased in amber!

I love this new series! In this second installment, Skunk and Badger are on a quest to find Important Rocks. However, this simple plan turns into an unexpected adventure.

The friendship between the two very different characters is delightful. While these stories are geared for children, I find them engaging as an adult. They are great for the whole family to enjoy together, and the author touches on themes that also provide families with much to discuss.

The illustrations are amazing, and make the text inviting to readers who are reluctant to pick up a chapter book. I always end up purchasing a hard copy edition of the book for myself because of them as well.

I love suggesting this series to readers of all ages, and I cannot wait for the next installment.

I adore Skunk and Badger! I can’t decide which one I like better. Skunk is so funny and cute. Badger is such a lovable curmudgeon. I enjoy their adventures immensely. The only flaw I can find is that there wasn’t nearly enough illustrations in this sequel. The ones that were present are great. They capture the story perfectly, I just wish there were more of them. Please keep these stories coming.

Oh how I love Skunk and Badger. This is yet again another hearty and quirky story of the two. This time they head out on a rock hunting adventure in hopes of finding a missing agate for Badger’s Important Rock Work. Throughout the eventful journey and stay, Badger’s pesky cousin steals their rocks and Skunk makes friends with a chicken named Augusta who shows them quite the treasure buried beneath the land. A definite adventure full of laughs and oh-no’s!

I love Skunk and Badger. This was such a lovely book. I will definitely suggest this to library patrons. I wish there were more of Jon Klassen's illustrations.

While not quite as enjoyable as the first Skunk and Badger, Timberlake still brings a delightful story together that readers young and old will devour. Klassen's illustrations provide excellent textual support, especially when it comes to the egg, and the black-and-white tipped in style continues to help these feel like collector's items rather than standard children's books. There's a bit more going on in the plot and some call backs to the first book may be confusing for readers, but overall it's a delightful story perfect for reading aloud.

While intruding, as Skunk frequently does, on Badger’s Important Rock Work, Skunk observes that Badger does not have an “A” rock in his display. This sends Badger back through his memories to when his cousin Fisher stole his agate, his beautiful Spider Eye agate, and never gave it back. Skunk decides that not having an “A” just won’t do and that they simply must go on a rock-finding expedition in Egg Marks the Spot, the most recent book in the Skunk and Badger series by Amy Timberlake (Author) and Jon Klassen (Illustrator).

I really liked last year’s Skunk and Badger (see my review) but Egg Marks the Spot was even more delightful and had me laughing, really laughing, at some of the dialogue and observations.

Again we have that odd couple of Badger who is totally a type A and Skunk who is mostly a type B, except when it comes to the New Yak Times Book Review (can’t say I blame him!). It seems that Badger is slowly growing fond of Skunk (maybe because he cooks delicious meals!) and his entourage, especially little orange hen and appreciates Skunk’s efforts. Although intruding on Important Rock Work is never appreciated.

While on their rock-finding expedition, Skunk and Badger have further adventures. City-born Skunk learns about the woods. They make an incredible discovery that leads to dangerous drama. And Badger realizes an important lesson.

This may be a book written for children, but I loved it. Egg Marks the Spot comes with its own messages regarding good communication and the importance of friends. A truly enjoyable read.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Egg Marks the Spot (Skunk and Badger 2) by Amy Timberlake was a pretty fun read with my kid. I haven't read the first book in the series, and feel like this is fine as a stand-alone (perhaps my rating would be higher having read the first book?).

There were a few plot points that were confusing to both of us (such as the agreement with Mr. Hedgehog), and a better lesson could have been learned for standing up for yourself. A good book about the growing bonds of friendship and being there for each other, and some nice humor. Overall, an okay read.

Thanks to Algonquin Young Readers for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

CHILDREN'S

Egg Marks the Spot, a Skunk and Badger story by Amy Timberlake, pictures by Jon Klassen; Algonquin Young Readers, 149 pages ($18.95) Ages 8 to 12.

Amy Timberlake takes an entertaining detour into "Jurassic Park" territory in her second adventure of Skunk and Badger, the Odd Couple roommates introduced in last year's amusing and heartwarming debut.

The two have settled into a pattern of living together, Badger retreating to the attic to do his important Rock Work, Skunk cooking up delicious dishes and making a mess in the kitchen. Skunk is indignant when Mr. G. Hedgehog announces his plans to steal the New Yak Times Sunday Book Review section the moment it lands on Skunk's doorstep. Badger has been stewing for years over the Spider Eye Agate his shifty cousin Fisher has stolen, a rock that should be displayed under the letter A in his alphabetized Wall of Rocks in the attic.

To forget their troubles, the two friends head off on a rock-finding expedition, only to land in more trouble.

Young readers may be intrigued by Badger's reverence for rocks: "Under each light a specimen shone - the exceptional, the one-of-a-kind, the rare and unrivaled. The copper shimmered. The mica sparked. The labradorite pulsed with color like some translucent deep-sea fish."

"Skunk and Badger" are lovely books, beautifully written, often laugh-out-loud funny, a winning combination of science and whimsy, with wondrous, droll, sepia-shaded ink illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen.

This was a fun read and my 7 year old and I really enjoyed it. The illustrations are beautifully done. Stories about friendship always have a special place in my heart.

Egg Marks the Spot is a great book for you and your little friend to cozy up and read together.