The Book Shelf: From the Stratford Public Library

Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach
by Melanie Watt
32 pages
@ SPL: JP Scare

Scaredy Squirrel, the lovable, neurotic little rodent who has starred in two previous Melanie Watt picture books, has decided to leave his safe home in the nut tree for a venture to the beach. Before leaving, Scaredy lists many possible seaside dangers: pirates, sea monsters, lobsters with sharp claws, fierce jellyfish and falling coconuts.   Then he lists the precautions that he could take to avoid such dangers, and carefully plans his beach trip, step by step. Donning his protective clothing and gear, he finally departs, only to encounter an entirely unexpected complication upon arriving at the beach...

Realizing that his meticulously planned agenda is now useless, Scaredy relaxes … and thoroughly enjoys his day after all! 

The Scaredy Squirrel stories are among the very best of recently published Canadian children’s picture books. They are charming, witty and absolutely hilarious – for both children and adults. Readers will hope that many more Scaredy stories are on the horizon!
Author/illustrator Melanie Watt’s home is in Montreal.

• Recommended for ages 4 to 8 years.
 
Skydancer
by Cathy Brown Murphy  127 pages
@ SPL: J FIC Murph
 
Wulf, the youngest of his raven brood, but the first to fly, has learned to be a “skydancer.” The daring moves of skydancing – swooping, diving and turning aerial somersaults – were taught to him by his mother, Darkfeather. Wulf is obsessed with this thrilling pastime. He has no suspicion that in the very near future, his skydancing skills will be desperately needed to save his family from the deadly attacks of a horrible, powerful menace from which the ravens cannot seem to escape.
Canadian author Cathy Brown Murphy’s second book for children is a well-written, fast-paced novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories full of suspense and danger, or stories about wildlife. It bears many similarities to Kenneth Oppel’s popular series about bats (Darkwing, Silverwing, Sunwing and Firewing). Written for a slightly younger age of reader, Skydancer would be a good choice for a child to read before Oppel’s Silverwing books.

The author resides in Moncton, N.B..

• Recommended for ages 8 to 12 years.

– Sally Hengeveld
librarian