About This Book
Reach for this book when your toddler is starting to notice the changing seasons or when you want to model the satisfaction of staying focused on a goal. It is a perfect choice for those crisp autumn mornings when children see squirrels darting about and ask what they are doing with all those nuts. The story follows a very industrious squirrel who is far too busy preparing for winter to stop and play with his animal friends. Through simple, repetitive text and large, beautiful illustrations, the book explores themes of perseverance and the importance of hard work. It is perfectly calibrated for the 1 to 4 age range, providing enough repetition to build confidence while introducing the biological concept of hibernation and seasonal shifts. Parents will appreciate how it validates the idea that sometimes we have to finish our work before we can rest or play.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. This is a gentle, secular nature story focused on seasonal cycles.
Ideal Reader
A toddler who is easily distracted and might benefit from seeing a character stick to a task, or a preschooler who is fascinated by the 'jobs' animals have in the wild.
Parent Prep
This is a straightforward read-aloud that can be read cold. Parents can prepare to point out the various food items the squirrel is gathering to increase engagement. A parent might choose this after their child struggles to focus on a necessary task (like picking up toys) because they are tempted by play, or simply when a child expresses curiosity about why birds and squirrels are so active in the fall.
