At face value, the Skunk and Badger stories are exactly what you'd expect. They are a standard odd couple with the curmudgeonly Badger gradually opening up to the more playful Skunk. Timberlake has included enough weird and humorous details to keep young readers entertained. The plot is fairly straightforward and the sentence structure is basic, making the book easy to follow. Beneath that simplicity there are deeper messages at play. The first book talked about biases and long held misconceptions and the accompanying cruelties we can perpetrate. This volume addresses bullying, certainly, but also letting go of things and people. We see how the same things can motivate and hold us back. The final chapters suggest that nothing lasts forever and we sometimes have to say goodbye to things and friends even if we'd rather not. Sweet.

Oh goodness this book was too sweet for words, I wish I had read the first one though, so I can understand this wild combo of a friendship but all and all I really enjoyed this book.

Egg Marks the Spot is the second book in the Skunk and Badger series, and it follows on directly from the first book in the series. Badger is doing his Important Rock Work and Skunk is cooking lunch and keeping in contact with the chickens. Badger and Skunk are still living in Aunt Lula’s brownstone, and Skunk’s latest interest is the book reviews in the New Yak Times. However, one of Skunk’s previous neighbours has come into town to visit and has made it known to Skunk that he wants to steal his pages of the Book Review pages, and Skunk cannot have this at all! He must leave for a holiday at once! He interrupts Badger in his rock room and tells him his plans when he notices that Badger doesn’t have a rock in the alphabetical position for ‘A’ and asks Badger the reason behind the missing rock. This leads into Badger reliving the tale of his cousin Fisher stealing his Agate rock and Skunk suggesting they go on a mission to find Badger a new Agate rock.

The trip into the woods was such a fun way for these characters to have new experiences and find the new hidden Jurassic egg prize within the woods. The trip was vital for the aspect of friendship to really be highlighted. I loved the return of the chickens role within this series. I had a feeling they would return, but they way they returned just made me smile from ear to ear. The role of friendship and trust was just so beautiful to read as Badger continued to grow and Skunk also grew but in a completely different way.

When I heard that there was another Skunk and Badger story, I just knew I had to read it ASAP. I absolutely loved the first book, and I couldn’t wait to read this, and I absolutely devoured it in 2 days. I know this is classified as a children’s book, but this series definitely is aimed at both children and adults combined. There are aspects that are important for children to read, but the pure joy is also a major reason I love these books so much, and will continue to support Timberlake with these books as long as she continues to write this series.

In the first book, Badger had a major character development with how he communicates and deals with others. This is again the focus of this book, and Badger continues to have major character development, and I just love seeing this from him. He learns how sometimes its time to move on from previous experiences and learns to leave these experiences in the past. Both Badger and Skunk learn that communicating with others and speaking up for themselves is important to do when issues arise and are impacting themselves.

Again, Klassen’s illustrations were absolutely beautiful, and I wished there were more scattered throughout the book. The line work was incredible and how in depth they were, especially when the characters were in the woods. I was constantly in awe of Klassen’s work. They just add a further aspect to the words that Timberlake uses in such beautiful prose.

Thank you very much to the Algonquin Young Readers for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review and allowing me to participate in the blog tour.

(BLOG TOUR SPOTLIGHT!)
1st Line: "RAP-RAP."

Prose (Story): When Skunk, seeking to get out of the house on Sunday because he knows his New Yak Times Book Review section will be stolen by a sticky-fingered hedgehog "friend," talks roommate Badger into a rock-finding expedition to replace the one-of-a-kind agate stolen years ago by Badger's cousin Fisher, the best buddies learn that Campsite #5 at Endless Lake holds a (literally) much bigger, older secret than they could ever imagine. One that will find the boys fighting to save a chicken friend ... and Badger confronting his old nemesis at last.

Don's (Review): I was privileged to do a Blog Spotlight Tour for the first book in this "insta-classic" children's series (you can find my original review for Skunk and Badger HERE) so jumped at the chance to do the same for the sequel. Though for me this one took a bit longer for the story to get going, from page one it was still brilliant to get back to the irascible Badger - who has only mildly chilled out in regards to his patience with Skunk, and his boisterous, wide-eyed and occasionally melodramtic friend and roommate.


Author Timberlake obviously has so much love for both the boys, and expertly shows their growing friendship as the hike to Endless Lake has Badger watching out for his small friend and one gi-normous backpack, even as Skunk's made it clear that Badger must replace that agate and more forward with his rock collection (and rock work; there is always the rock work). It's sweet, funny and charming, watching the boys settle in at Campsite #5, but for me the story really came to life with the introduction of the "bad guy" - Badger's cousin Fisher. Fisher makes the Grinch look like Mary Poppins, even more so once we learn why Fisher has come to Endless Lake in the first place - and then it's all chickens and action and an amber wall holding a bit of treasure ... the boys finding themselves way in over their heads, but never backing down. Because best friends who have each other's backs never do.

Timberlake builds up the action beautifully, escalating the tension and raising the stakes for our heroes - all aided by the timeless, elegant line drawings of illustrator Jon Klassen, which alone will remind adult readers of some of their favorite classics from childhood, such as Charlotte's Web or Winnie the Pooh. Things wrap up to a very satisfying conclusion here, by the end, with - yay! - the last-minute introduction of a couple new characters hinting at a third book coming down the road. Which is fine with me; I haven't loved a couple of classically mistmatched roommates this much since I watched reruns of "The Odd Couple" as a kid. Bring on book three! 4/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
#EggMarkstheSpot #SkunkandBadger #NetGalley

I love the skunk and badger books! The pictures are adorable and the educational information is cleverly disguised in the friendly banter between the two friends. Their adventures are fun and their friends interesting. These books are written for grades 2-5, but can be enjoyed by any age and I highly recommend adding them to any child's library or your own.

5 bock-bock stars

Another adventure with Skunk and Badger?? We are blessed. This one took everything I loved about the first adventure and made it bigger and better. I love this adorable series.

Characters: ★★★★★
Writing style: ★★★★★
Plot/Pacing: ★★★★★

This is the second adventure with Skunk and Badger. If you're new to the series, check out this one first!

As a grown woman with no kids, I guess I'm an odd age demographic for this series, but let me tell you something: I absolutely loved this book. When people say "oh, this is perfect for ALL AGES!" sometimes what they mean is, it's perfect for kids but not dumb for adults to sit through. Well, Skunk and Badger's adventures in Egg Marks the Spot are truly for all ages. I loved this story and had no issues with it as an adult. The perfect, relaxing read to enjoy with a cozy cup of tea.

In Egg Marks the Spot, Badger and Skunk are doing just fine as roommates in Aunt Lula's brownstone. Skunk's latest obsession is obtaining the book review portion of the "New Yak Times" (I love the references, guys, I LOVE them) and Badger is doing Important Rock Work in his rock room.

But then, Skunk finds out that his previous neighbor, G. Hedgehog, is back in town and wants to steal his pages of the "New Yak Times Book Review" from him to "resume their previous arrangement." Skunk cannot stand for this - he must leave town for the week to get his mind off of this tragedy.

So Skunk proposes a camping trip with Badger. Badger is all for this plan, as he loves exploring and looking for more rocks for Rock Science. In fact, it will give Badger the ability to look for a replacement agate for his collection. Several years ago, his precious agate was taken by his cousin, Fisher, never to be returned!

So with Skunk avoiding G. Hedgehog and Badger avoiding thoughts of his stealing cousin, they set off into the woods. With some chickens, of course. (See the first book to get the low-down on the chickens.)

But there's something special in the woods this time... and Badger and Skunk are not going to believe it!

There, that's it. I'm not going to tell you anymore. Read it for yourself and love it! I know I did.

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

Skunk and Badger are back for another adventure! If you haven’t met these two friends yet, you are missing out.

Badger is a rock scientist who lives with his well-read roommate, Skunk. Skunk loves nothing more than to read the “New Yak Book Review” and enjoy his breakfast, but Mr. G. Hedgehog is threatening to swipe his subscription.

Badger’s rock collection is always in perfect alphabetical order, but under the letter “A” there is an empty space. It is where Badger’s Spider Eye Agate once sat but was stolen by his crafty cousin, Fisher.

Skunk proposes an adventure to find Badger a new Agate for his collection. So they pick up a backpack and head out to the woods. What ensues is a hilarious, animal-filled wilderness excursion. Where they make a prehistoric discovery and meet fun new friends along the way.

𝐄𝐠𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭 is such an entertaining middle-grade book! With great characters and witty dialogue, kids of all ages will want to hear this story. The illustrations are adorable with a perfect mix of color and black and white. I can’t wait for the next adventure with Skunk and Badger. 🦨

Thank you to @algonquinyr @amys_writer_photos and @jonklassen for a gifted copy.

Review: This was a delightful read, with great illustrations and whimsical characters that I would definitely recommend reading!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.

To think that this wonderful adventure all started because of a missing book review and a lost agate (or if we're really thinking about it, it all started with an unwanted housemate). I'm so happy that I met these two characters, and I will miss them now that their adventures are over.

Young readers will enjoy all of the drama and intrigue that this second installment provides and those who already love the dynamic that Skunk and Badger provide, will not be disappointed.

There are chickens, there are rats and there is a bear! Plus, that Jurassic surprise is well worth it. Pick this one up.

https://wigginswords.com/category/book-reviews/

"One minute everything is dark, and you are sure the worst possible end is coming. And then - suddenly! - a spot of blue sky."

– Amy Timberlake, Skunk and Badger #2

The desultory duo from North Twist return with their staple sense of comedy and camaraderie, this time on a rock-finding expedition. Badger, the austere geologist, is conducting important rock work when Skunk, the goading happy-go-lucky chef, notices a rock missing from his Wall of Rocks: agate. Badger's cousin, Fisher, a treasure dealer, purloined the rock that started Badger's sedimentary hobby and career. In Egg Marks the Spot, Skunk and Badger seek to complete the collection before enjoying the Sunday New Yak Times Book Review over breakfast. With familiar and new faces, extended backstories, and a lesson or two met with mystery, the series continues to make strides for all ages.

A year later and this sequel has not dulled the original's rustic panache. It maintains the hyperbolic world of the animal kingdom Amy Timberlake and Jon Klassen have cleverly depicted. Throughout this tale, themes of greed and glory take precedent in subtle and solemn ways. Skunk overprepares, overpacks, and overwhelms Badger with his towering backpack in slapstick fashion. At one point, Badger worries so much that he forgoes nourishment from one of Skunk's fantastic meals. Moments where actions speak louder than words and where words are measured twice and cut deeply are laudable. The only exception to this is perhaps in the exposition. It felt Skunk and Badger's time in the woods was short-lived, despite the foretold danger of bears and the secrecy behind the chicken's Quantum Leap powers, which has a bittersweet payoff. The pacing is convenient and simple, yet curious and expectant, but never cheap or forced. More unexpected turns as well as more background into Skunk's personal history would have been welcome leading up to a promising albeit jam-packed ending.

Egg Marks the Spot tells the story of Skunk, who loves to cook and read, and Badger, a rock scientist. These unlikely roommates embark on an “X marks the spot adventure” that will help them both and uncover an amazing discovery.

I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up for this blog tour especially since I did not read the first book in this series. This book can be read as a standalone, but if you are reading with children I would recommend starting with book one, Skunk and Badger.

This was a fun read with a lot of lessons for children of all ages to learn. First is not to jump to conclusions and let others explain themselves. Second, is to be accepting of others. Third, try not to hold in your feelings or hold grudges. Finally, accept the help your friends offer you.

Although an unlikely pair, I enjoyed skunk and badgers friendship along with their quirks. I plan to read the first book and continue with the series.

Thank you Algonquin Young Readers and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via Algonquin children's books as part of the book tour.

Skunk and Badger: Egg Marks the Spot, is the second book in this delightful and whimsical book series for children and adults.
This series is so wonderfully written and illustrated and I am sure this is on the road to becoming a classic of today.
In this edition, Skunk and Badger are off on a new adventure doing important rock work. They are looking for some important rocks and go off on a camping adventure in the woods. This rock hunt soon turns into a fun frolicking adventure with Skunk and Badger coming across other animals and even an egg.
These stories are simple enough for children to read and understand and I love how much meaning and subtle lessons are embroidered into the stories.
Skunk and Badger are such a warm pair of friends and could teach us all more about friendship. I always feel so warm and happy after reading these books and can't wait to get a physical copy of this book to cherish forever.

Skunk and Badger are back, better than ever, and ready for a new adventure! Skunk and Badger have worked hard and successfully made compromises to make Aunt Lula’s brownstone a comfortable and happy place for both of them to live. Badger has even moved his rock room out of the living room and up to the attic where he can do his important rock work in a chicken-free environment. He is especially proud of his Wall of Rocks, “Rocks displayed alphabetically are so satisfactory.” However, when both friends find themselves needing to get away, they decide to go on a Rock-finding expedition. Campsite #5 at Endless Lake seems like the perfect escape but then Badger’s bullying cousin, Fisher unexpectedly arrives and the chickens come looking for Skunk for help. Suddenly Skunk and Badger find that they have a dinosaur size problem. Cute, quirky, and entertaining! A fantastic and satisfying sequel. Would make a great read-aloud in K-2.

Review to come during my blog stop on September 15th.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.

I was so excited and hyped when I got the mail from the publisher to ask if I wanted to be part of this tour and read the book in advance. Of course I wanted that! The first book was such a treasure and so much fun!

In this book a ton of things happen, but at the same time it also felt like a slice of life manga at points. And that is not a criticism, I don't mind that at all, it gives some reprieve from all the adventures that are coming later in the book.

Skunk and Badger are still getting used to living together. Badger has moved all his rocks to the attic (after some drastic cleaning) and is settling in there. In the meantime Skunk is doing cooking and other fun house stuff. We see that there are still some struggles with a closed door. I was totally on Skunk's side on this one, because if you always close the door, how are we supposed to know you are working there or if you are not in? Then there are the chickens that visit often and Badger is still not sure how he feels about those things. I really loved reading about these two and see how their friendship and bond becomes better as the book continues. With some arguments, but also lots of protecting and having a good time.

I really loved their adventure (which kind of was a way for Skunk to get out of something that we read more about near the end) and loved seeing them find rocks for Badger's rock collection, and then especially an Agate which Badger had but which was stolen... I had so much fun, especially when a chicken joined the group. Oh, and I laughed so much because Skunk was so stubborn about the backpack. XD

The cave part and the rats and all that happened was just one rollercoaster and I just love love it. OK, sure, I am not a fan of feathers on THAT, but it was still fun and I giggled that it was possible for THAT to come in the story.

I so so love the sound effects that we got aplenty in this book. I love those in comics/manga/graphic novel, so seeing them in a normal book makes me smile so much. I love reading about the pitpat of rain or the bock-bocks of chickens or the sounds that rocks make when thrown in the air and hitting the ground or the sounds that tools make when the animals use them. For me it made the story come to live even more.

While I do appreciate that we got a villain in this book, namely Fisher a weasel and a family member of Badger who is just pure evil and doesn't give a damn about anyone, I do would have liked that to have wrapped up a bit more nicely. Just like with the chickens and that which was in the caves. We do get a note at the end, but for me that felt more like an afterthought and it was a bit jarring how Badger/Skunk went back to normal just like that.

Of course the art by Jon Klassen makes the book complete, I am a big fan of his work. His artstyle fits perfect with the Skunk and Badger series.

All in all, a chicken, rock, fun book that I would recommend to all, and I hope that we get more adventures with these two, especially with the new additions of characters near the end.

A worthy followup to the first book. It was nice to learn a bit of both Badger and Skunk's backstories, and Badger's cousin Fisher makes a suitably slimy villain. I definitely did not expect the twist of what exactly the egg of the title was! A fun read that leaves the door open for more stories involving these two.

I received an electronic ARC from Algonquin Young Readers through NetGalley.
Badger and Skunk are back and off on a camping adventure. Readers travel along as Badger heads for a favorite campsite and Skunk heads out for the first time. Both learn about themselves as they experience mishaps on the hike. They also encounter Badger's cousin Fisher who is just as unpleasant as Badger remembers. Working together with Augusta, they save a baby dinosaur and defeat Fisher's attempt to steal it. Mid elementary lever readers will love the adventure, fun and humor. They will also appreciate how much the two have come to rely on each other and have become friends.

I adored the introduction of Skunk and Badger, at first unwilling housemates, who become fast friends. Badger is a fussy, hyper-organized Important Rock Scientist who resents any interruption of his routine, while Skunk is expansively friendly, speaks to cryptic chickens, and cooks gourmet meals. Skunk’s one obsession is the New Yak Times Book Review. That’s really all a reader needs to know before embarking upon their next adventure: a camping trip. The trip proceeds along hilarious lines, with Badger calculating the exact weight of every multi-purpose article in his neatly organized pack, and Skunk throwing in pots and pans, fresh produce, and other items on which usefulness he and Badger disagree profoundly. This, then, is the essence of their friendship: how the differences supply each other’s blind spots.

Needless to say, the camping trip quickly takes several unexpected turns with an obnoxious bully from Badger’s past, an incredible find in a cave, the secret mission of chickens, a bivalve moving company, and much, much more. The characters are endearing, the action lively, the prose deliciously inventive, and the deeper themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage shine through.

A splendid book for the whole family to read aloud!

Book: Egg Marks the Spot
Author: Amy Timberlake
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank the publisher, Algonquin Young Readers, for sending me an ARC.

When I stated this, I couldn’t help but to feel good while reading. This is one of those books that just puts you in a good mood. It gave me a mixture of Winnie Pooh and The Wind in the Willows vibes. It’s a light hearted adventure story that can’t help but to put a smile on your face. I don’t have the first book and I am really thinking about getting it to add to my classroom library. I may also be adding Egg Marks the Spot to my read aloud novels. Given everything that has been going on in the world this year, I really think a story like this will put a smile on my students’ face and I teach middle school. You just need a story like this to put you in a good mood and to just escape from the harsh realities of an unforgiving and dark world. I guess that what I’m getting at is books like this are bound to put you in a good mood and we need more books like this.

I really enjoyed Skunk and Badger. Their friendship and everything they get into just makes me want more. We see right off that Badger is the more serious one, while Skunk just wants to seem to have a good time. At first, their friendship can come across as being a little odd and a little different. However, the more you get to know them and get some insight into them, the more you come to see just how much they work for each other. We see them bring out the good in each other and see them really come together and support each other without question. This deep friendship and bond that they have comes across very clearly. I know a lot of people kind of role their eyes at the friendships in a children’s books, but this one is solid.

I will admit there were parts of the book where I thought the plot went a little off. While I did enjoy it, there were just certain elements that I found not enjoyable. The whole bit with the dinosaur egg just didn’t make sense to me. I personally could have done without it, but I can see a lot of kids really enjoying that little addition. I think I would have enjoyed it if I was a child. Still, as an adult reader, I did find the overall plot to be really strong and good. I just had a great time reading this book is what I am getting at.

If you are in the mood for a book that is bound to put a smile on your face, then I highly encourage you to give this a go. This is just one of those books that will put you in a good mood and just make you feel good.

This book comes out on September 14, 2021.
Youtube: https://youtu.be/buIGn1UkH4I

The most solid of sequels. Kid readers are going to eat this up. Skunk and Badger are my favorite odd couple.

Chickens again play an important role in Skunk and Badger's second tale, as does important rock work. However, the cast of character has grown to include rats, a bear, a dinosaurs, a hedgehog, and mussel movers in a plot that evolves into a somewhat frenetic adventure. What I love most is the deepening friendship between the two very different main characters. Somewhat more difficult than many chapters books, this would make a great read aloud. I hope there are many more Skunk and Badger books to come.