I gave this book a go as I was intrigued but having read the book now, I do wonder who this book is actually aimed at - the book has a subtitle of 'A Counting Book for Children' and I certainly wouldn't allow my daughter to read this book when she was at the of reading this kind of book.

She is 7 now and she would still be upset if I was to give her this book, we have a squirrel who visit our garden and she has named him Cyril... Based on this and the images of the dead squirrels that have died through various ways in the book, this isn't a book that I would share with my daughter due to the content and I didn't find it to be funny as a parent but it may be more to the taste of others.

Book Review: Dead Squirrels Everywhere by Gabrielle Ferrara & Natalia Nova

Rating: 3 Stars

So, I just finished Dead Squirrels Everywhere, and I have to say, it's definitely an experience! This book is marketed as a children's counting book, but let me just say, it swings a bit on the dark side. The premise is pretty simple: it's all about counting to ten, but with a twist that only those with a taste for the macabre would appreciate. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, but instead of cute bunnies or playful puppies, we get… well, dead squirrels. Yep, you read that right!

Now, I can see how this could be a fun way for kids to learn their numbers. Each page features a different way to count those unfortunate little critters, and honestly, it’s pretty funny. The humor is definitely morbid, which might not sit well with everyone, especially if you’re looking for something more traditional for your little ones. If your kid has even a hint of a dark sense of humor, they might just love this counting adventure!

However, I've got to keep it real—this book is probably not going to be suitable for most children. The graphic illustrations and the overall theme might be a little too much for the younger crowd. That said, if you’re into quirky and unconventional stories that make learning fun (albeit with a twisted edge), this could be right up your alley.

Overall, I’d give it three stars. It’s not for everyone, but for those who can appreciate a hilariously dark take on counting, you’ll at least get a chuckle out of it! Just make sure to gauge your audience before sharing it—some kids might find it hilarious, while others could be totally freaked out. So if you're ready for a counting book that dares to be different, Dead Squirrels Everywhere might just be worth a look!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

So... This is probably not the picture book to give to very young children without caution. That being said my kids would have loved it! Maybe not at 2 or 3 years old, but once they got a little older they would have loved the rhyming part. Very dark, but beautiful art.

4 stars

"Dead Squirrels Everywhere" by Gabrielle Ferrara, with illustrations by Natalia Nova, is an adult picture book that takes a morbidly humorous approach to counting. This book is a quirky and darkly entertaining read that is definitely not suitable for children, unless you want to traumatize them with images of squirrels meeting various untimely ends. The concept of this book revolves around teaching counting to ten, but with a macabre twist – each number is associated with a squirrel's death in increasingly bizarre and unfortunate accidents.

From the first page, readers are greeted with an irreverent and darkly comedic tone. Ferrara’s text is straightforward and engaging, making it easy to follow along with the counting narrative. The repetition of the phrase "dead squirrels" alongside the counting creates a rhythmic and almost hypnotic reading experience. It's a playful and unexpected way to approach a counting book, ensuring that readers of a certain taste will be both amused and intrigued.

Natalia Nova’s illustrations are the true highlight of this book. Her artwork is vivid and detailed, capturing the absurdity and humor of each scenario with precision. The illustrations strike a perfect balance between the grotesque and the humorous, ensuring that while the subject matter is dark, it is presented in a way that is more amusing than disturbing. From squirrels drowning to those meeting their end by electrocution, each illustration is a visual treat that complements the text beautifully.

While "Dead Squirrels Everywhere" is undoubtedly a fun and unique read, it is crucial to remember that it is intended for an adult audience. The morbid humor and graphic illustrations are not suitable for children, and the book's charm lies in its ability to surprise and entertain adults with its offbeat approach to a seemingly innocent subject like counting.

In conclusion, "Dead Squirrels Everywhere" is a brilliantly illustrated and cleverly written adult picture book that offers a twisted take on counting. Ferrara and Nova have created a memorable and entertaining work that will appeal to those with a taste for dark humor. Just remember, no squirrels were harmed in the making of this book!

This book got me at the beginning with the title. I needed to see what it was about. I also knew that my daughter would get a kick out of it. When we read it I thought it was such a twist! Not what I was expecting. My daughter made us read it twice but then she said she was scared and didn’t like dead squirrels haha.
I’d still recommend it to others.

Dead Squirrels Everywhere is a really unique children's book. It's a little bit creepy, but still has enough humor for kids to enjoy! It incorporates counting skills with the dark theme of dead squirrels. The illustrations match the vibes of the story well, but could have been a little more engaging.

Thank you to NetGalley and Uniquely Morbid for the ARC.

Gabrielle Ferrara's Dead Squirrels Everywhere is a unique children's book that combines counting with a whimsically macabre theme. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging, making it a visual treat for young readers. I enjoyed reading it because it cleverly turns a potentially dark subject into something humorous and educational, making learning fun for kids.

Hey parents and young readers, you've gotta check out Dead Squirrels Everywhere by Gabrielle Ferrara! It's not your average counting book—it's got a quirky, slightly creepy vibe that kids will absolutely love. The illustrations are super cool and the whole concept is just so unique. Trust me, this book will have your little ones giggling and counting from one to ten in no time! 🐿️

While I am sure this book is not for every parent out there, I personally believe a little bit of darkness never hurt anyone. But what do I know? I was raised with the original Grimm tales, not the Disney version so maybe that's why?

The illustrations are not graphic. But they are also not the most fun out there. They could be better and more captivating.

This will start some interesting discussions with the little ones.

For whom is this picture book? I know, I know: The subtitle SAYS “A Counting Book for Children.” But how many 3- or 4-year-olds would not be alarmed by a book full of massacred squirrels? Anyone old enough to think the gothic vibe to be fun already knows how to count way farther than 10. This is a book for dreadful hipster aunties who fool themselves into think that the offspring of their square brother or sister will be delighted rather than repulsed by this macabre book. Two stars — but only if you don’t give it to a child under 9.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Uniquely Morbid in exchange for an honest review.

I didn`t find this book very interesting or appealing to kids.
Its morbid an I am not sure who is the target audience for this book at all.

Well, it is a counting book and you get to count dead squirrels. The book is imaginative, the pictures are great, but it is on this side of macabre. However, if this is what you are looking for and if dead squirrels are your idea of a good time, this is the book for you. I don't want to give a spoiler alert, Maybe there are not dead quirrels everywhere?

So obviously it's made clear that this is more macabre and about dead squirrels but it was a bit much. Maybe some kids enjoy this? Definitely a very niche group I would imagine and honestly I'm not even sure why someone would think to include being run over, eaten by birds electrocuted, frozen, and more to a book about counting. Maybe my expectations were different to what we got but this was a weird one. It had nice art at least and if someone's kid wasn't into the more gory stuff it would probably work for them

4 out of 5 stars

this book made me LOL. It was definitely morbid and had dark humor but it was a fun book overall.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is a pretty funny take on a children’s counting book 😂 I’m not sure how fun it would be for sensitive kids, but if they lean toward a darker morbid side they may get a kick out it!

3/5 stars

I'll be perfectly honest I requested this mostly from pure curiousness. I laughed so hard at every page of this and not because it's absurd, well it is a little, but in a good way. Maybe it's just my morbid sense of humor or the fact that happy colorful children's books are a dime a dozen, but I loved it. And I know my two boys are going to get a good kick out of it. Thank you for making a book for us parents and kids a little off the beaten path!

At the end of this book there were tears in my eyes from chortling, and a few from that very last page. I will be gifting this book to a few parental figures of my acquaintance who will appreciate it.

Thank you NetGalley, for a digital copy of children's book, Dead Squirrels Everywhere. This is a 1-10 counting book published Sept 1, 2023.

This book falls into a very specific genre, in that it is intended for children who can handle portrayals of the death of animals (being run over, eaten by crows, electrocuted, frozen, drowned are some examples). I'm not sure who those are children are, but they must be out there?! Or maybe some parents want to destigmatize death of animals? There are drawings to accompany each page that are sort of cute and not gory, but still show the concept of them dying. But the book redeems itself on the last page by saying, oh wait, all 10 squirrels are just asleep! There is also a nice remembrance at the beginning of the book to the author's father.

In any case, the book has a nice cadence and graphic quality. But it wouldn't be for my kids due to the subject matter. 2-stars.

This book is weird. I appreciate it being different, but I didn't see the point. The illustrations are lackluster as well. I'm sorry that this one didn't really work for me.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I don't know if this is supposed to be for kids, or adults, because of the death parts, but I thought it was hysterical.