Skunk and Badger (1)

AUTHOR: Amy Timberlake
ILLUSTRATOR: Jon Klassen

From the Publisher:

A Best Book of 2020: People * Kirkus Reviews * Booklist  * School Library Journal * Publishers Weekly * Shelf Awareness for Readers * New York Public Library * Chicago Public Library * Evanston Public Library

This acclaimed and bestselling best book of the year is a delightful animal-odd-couple story by Newbery Honoree Amy Timberlake with pictures from Caldecott medalist Jon Klassen.

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?

Leah’s Thoughts:

This is one of the most charming odd-couple stories I’ve read in a long time. When Skunk shows up at Badger’s quiet, orderly home, nothing is ever the same again. The writing is clever and layered, with laugh-out-loud moments and a lot of heart. It’s quirky, but in all the best ways. Jon Klassen’s black-and-white illustrations are the perfect match: subtle, yet expressive and full of personality.

It would also make a great family read-aloud.

*Just a note: I was really disappointed by Book 2 (Egg Marks the Spot). It lost much of the original’s charm and depth, and I was put off by the heavy undertones of evolutionism. I recommend sticking with Book 1 and letting it stand on its own.