Review by Booklist Review
Independently discovering the same treasure trove of nuts, two squirrels each delightedly exclaim, Nuts! My nuts. But while preparing to haul the horde away in their respective wheelbarrow and wagon, they encounter one another and squabbles ensue as to who the nuts belong to. While bear, badger, and others offer varying opinions ( His nuts! ; Her nuts! ; Your nuts . . . and your nuts ), the squirrels' conflict intensifies into tantrums, followed by quiet fuming and sulking. But, eventually, the bushy-tailed pair, between themselves, find resolution, bringing harmony, happiness and nuts for both along with perspective and understanding about the pleasure of enjoying things together. Peacock's minimal text nicely depicts the concept of sharing, and the repetition and lively formatting does an effective job of conveying not only possessive pronouns but a variety of emotions, particularly in tandem with Ismail's bold, bright simply rendered mixed-media illustrations. Featuring an engaging animal cast, this amiable, read-aloud-friendly picture book tackles a subject, including concepts of possessiveness and the mutual rewards of generosity, in an approach that will likely resonate with the younger set.--Shelle Rosenfeld Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Two bushy-tailed squirrels squabble over some food in this spare, exclamation-filled story about sharing. "Nuts! My nuts," the first squirrel exclaims, hugging an acorn to its chest. "Nuts! My nuts," a second echoes, spotting the same bounty. After a literal tug-of-war commences, other forest creatures take sides: the bear is with the first squirrel; a mouse and badger are with squirrel two. A peace-maker rabbit suggests sharing, but the stubborn protagonists aren't ready for compromise, and a center spread explodes with a dozen "My nuts!" as a dual tantrum unfolds--even a snail is flipped onto its back in the melee. In the following wordless spreads, the pair first sits sullenly, then shares unhappy glances. Finally, one breaks the ice ("Our nuts?"), and the other concedes ("Our nuts!"). They hug joyously and go on their way--until one spots a new edible: "Apples!" Fortunately, the former adversaries waste no time bickering before beginning to munch companionably. Ismail's exuberant, wash-like mixed-media illustrations are a perfect match for this high-energy tale about two squirrels who discover that "our" can be just as rewarding as "my." Ages 2--5. (Sept.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K--So many nuts, so little time! One day, two squirrels find a stash of nuts and happily begin collecting as many as they can carry. However, each one believes that the nuts are theirs, and neither is willing to share with the other. Several of their forest friends try to guide the squirrels to a resolution, but to no avail: it is up to the squirrels themselves to make a decision that they can both accept. Written specifically for young children, the word 'nuts' is the primary, and very nearly only, word in the book: one that is immediately recognizable. However, despite the limited text, the story is clearly depicted in the mixed media illustrations. Though uncommon in presentation, readers will enjoy observing the progression and reaction of each character throughout the book. Even the snail has a memorable role! The emotions of the characters are evident, inciting empathetic reactions from readers as they have likely also experienced those feelings. Overall, this book is well designed to encourage discussion between children and caregivers about the action taking place in the story and how it connects to their everyday lives. VERDICT Although a book of few words, this story teaches an important and valuable lesson about sharing and friendship.--Mary Lanni, formerly of Denver Public Library
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A cluster of fallen nuts is the setting for an exploration of one of life's most difficult concepts: not mine? A fuzzy, red squirrel in blue overalls pushing a wheelbarrow is first on the scene, delighted to claim "my" nuts. This assumption is soon challenged by a compatriot in a yellow dress with a red wagon. Clinging to the same morsel as other creatures take sides ("His nuts!" "Her nuts!"), the duo faces off across the gutter while a rabbit tries to impose reason by division, suggesting "Your nuts / and your nuts." This leads to full-blown tantrums and a cooling-off period while the rodents sit, miffed, in their respective patches of grass. The action all takes place in the foreground. Vibrant, mixed-media animals and hints of landscaping are easy to follow against cream-colored pages. There are ladybugs and bees to count, a snail's progress to track, and a minimal text in a large font; these elements, combined with the theme, make this a title that will serve young children well, visually and conceptually. Finally, the squirrel in blue thinks of a different pronoun: "Our nuts?" Peace is restored, and the departing characters summarize the solution: "Their nuts!" By the time the duo discovers apples, it seems they have assimilated their new vocabulary.This memorable story will help toddlers (and caregivers) connect behavior to the language of sharing. (Picture book. 2-4) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
