Squirrel-ish

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, isn't it? For this rat, it sure is. He always gets scrammed and shooed when he's out in the world. He never gets treated royally, nor is he given free peanuts the way squirrels are. To address life's injustices, the rat decides to transform into a squirrel. He makes numerous DIY attempts, like sitting on his hind legs and using paper clips to pin his ears back, none of which work. But then he lands on a brilliant solution: a squirrel-ish tail made of broom bristles. Finally, people are being kind to him. But soon he realizes that being a squirrel isn't all free peanuts, especially when there are dogs around. Edlund's cartoonish artwork nicely fits the comical story, and her smart use of page-turn reveals will make this a strong choice for laugh-filled storytime. Amid those laughs, though, is a solid message about the perils of trying to be something you're not, which is a useful takeaway for little ones.

A rat tries to masquerade as a squirrel. "You know who has it easy?" the rat asks readers. "Squirrels." Rats get chased with brooms or sprayed with water, and they elicit screams. Squirrels, on the other hand, get free peanuts at the park. After realizing that squirrels and rats aren't physically all that different, the rat attempts to alter its appearance until it lands on a guise that's convincing and squirrel-ish enough. Unfortunately, even the dogs are fooled, and they pursue our hero with a resounding and excited "SQUIRREL!" The protagonist narrates in first person, directly addressing readers, which will make little ones feel like the rat's buddy--a choice that's sure to have them giggling along. The cartoon illustrations are highly appealing and crucial to the storytelling, as when the rat's makeshift squirrel tail (fashioned from dry spaghetti noodles) gets wet in the rain. The rat's whole face is expressive, right down to its ears, and the comic-book feel of some of the layouts conveys action and keeps the pace moving. There's also plenty for adults to enjoy: After the rat's broomstick tail becomes a hit, the rodent ponders starting a "Re-Tail Store." All readers will smile as a squirrel longingly watches the rat easily dodge an eager pup and sighs: "Rats have it sooo easy." A perfectly goofy, inviting testament to the familiar adage about the grass being greener on the other side.(Picture book. 4-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.