Review by Booklist Review
Sam Squirrel is eagerly awaiting Mother Nature's appearance at the end of a long winter. But Mother Nature doesn't appear, winter persists, and the worried woodland creatures gather to discuss their predicament. Sam and an elk prince head to Mother Nature's cottage to seek an end to the wild weather, but the problem quickly becomes clear: an exhausted Mother Nature has left for vacation, leaving her granddaughter Willow to house-sit and care for the woods. The bewildered Willow doesn't have the faintest idea how to end the winter season or tackle the enormous to-do list her grandmother left behind, and the unusual trio realize they must find a way to usher in spring themselves and save the woods. The series opener is a charmer from start to finish, packed with creative characters, cozy details, and gentle action. Sam is an irresistible protagonist; quick chapters, adorable illustrations, and heaps of humor will instantly appeal to young readers. A darling demonstration of the power of teamwork and self-confidence.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2--4--Sam Squirrel doesn't feel "squirrelly" enough to fit in with the rest of his family; he'd prefer to spend his time pondering and making lists than scurrying and gathering acorns. When the first day of spring comes and goes without Mother Nature's annual visit to check in on the animals of Quiet Woods, everyone worries about the ongoing winter. Sam puts his list-making skills to work, recording the critters' concerns and setting off with Prince Errol (an elk) to try and find Mother Nature. Along the way, they meet her granddaughter, Willow, who teams up with Sam to try and bring forth the spring. While most characters lack development beyond their species, readers are likely to root for Sam and may relate to his feelings of self-doubt. Whimsical details bring the quaint setting to life, and charming gray-scale illustrations are peppered throughout. The story resolves neatly and also teases the next adventure. VERDICT Sure to please young nature-lovers transitioning to longer chapter books.--Lauren Strohecker
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