Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake with pictures by Jon Klassen
I’m a long-time fan of children’s book author and illustrator Jon Klassen, so I was immediately drawn to his latest illustration project, Skunk and Badger, a fresh take on the power of unlikely friendship.
Brownstone roommates fun-loving Skunk and introverted rock-hound Badger remind me of a more cosmopolitan version of the classic Frog and Toad-like odd couple. However, unlike Arnold Lobel’s beloved Frog and Toad series which is an early reader staple, Skunk and Badger is geared for later elementary to middle grade readers due to the length (122 pages), sophisticated humor, and themes.
In a recent interview with WABE “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes, Newbery Honoree author Amy Timberlake said she wanted to make a book that would make an adult laugh, so “the child would get the sense of the adult laughing and they could laugh with the adult at the same time, even if they didn’t quite get the humor.”
This book certainly provides some laugh-out-loud moments for any reader. The combination of Amy Timberlake’s wit, scientific details, and heart-warming character arcs is delightful. Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen’s wistful illustrations are the icing on the cake. Make sure you have a dictionary or dictionary app nearby because Skunk and Badger is the kind of book that will surely expand your vocabulary.
If your child loves animals, quirky characters, and dry humor, Skunk and Badger will make for a memorable read or mutually entertaining read aloud.
Youth Specialist
#WeKnowBooks
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