Remenar, Kristen. Squirrel Needs a Break. Matt Faulkner, Illustrator. Charlesbridge, 02/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-6235-4370-9. GRADES Preschool–1. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Squirrel stomps past Groundhog and the rest of their forest animal pals, telling them that six extra weeks in the nest “drove us all nuts.” His friends Bear, Hare, Owl, and Groundhog band together to offer single dad Squirrel a day off. Each of them takes his kits for a while, while another does something relaxing with Squirrel (breakfast out, a spa outing, yoga, and a baseball game). Of course the kits are a handful, wearing out each of the animals in turn, until they are all together as a family of friends. The digital illustrations portray the difficulties of being a single parent, and the importance of friends stepping in to offer help and support. Young readers will find the mix of animal and human attributes engaging and funny.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library