Remenar, Kristen. Squirrel Needs a Break. Matt Faulkner, Illus. Charlesbridge, 05/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-370-9. GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
After a long winter, single parent Squirrel could use a break from his rambunctious kits, so neighboring animals pitch in to help. Hare teaches them to make pancakes, Sparrow gives the kits a bath, and Owl leads them in meditation, all with hilarious results. The text includes one paragraph per spread and dialogue balloons, and the digitally created full-color cartoonish artwork features forest animals with human facial expressions that add humor. This would be a great selection for a Father’s Day storytime, although the story is a bit long for toddlers.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool