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Thursday, March 16, 2023

Scaredy Squirrel Visits the Doctor, written and illustrated by Melanie Watt. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2022. $23.99 ages 4 and up


"Dr. Vet begins Scaredy 
Squirrel's health exam. 

She weighs and 
measures him ... 

takes his temperature
and pulse ... 

checks his ears, 
fur and teeth ... 

looks at his X-ray ... "

Scaredy Squirrel fans will have been anticipating this new book. Kids who worry about making a visit to the doctor are sure to be calmed as they learn about Scaredy's first ever visit. To say Scaredy is scared is hardly a surprise. In other books, readers have learned about the many worries that plague him, and how he deals with them in the funniest ways. 

Scaredy remains anxious, and quite ingenious in his attempts to avoid anything that ups his stress level. He does everything he can to keep himself healthy, and stay away from the clinic. When a brochure arrives that announces every animal should pay a visit to get a health certificate, it takes him aback. He begins to think more seriously about seeing the doctor. 

Preparation is extensive. Once ready, he heads to the clinic, stealthily and incognito ... until the doctor lifts the crate causing Scaredy to go into full panic mode. Hilarity ensues for fans. Finally, Scaredy is put through the paces. 

"Scaredy sees it doesn't hurt at all 
to get a checkup. In fact, he feels 
good knowing everything is A-OK.

Dr. Vet ends the visit with suggestions for keeping Scaredy's anxiety at bay. Scaredy thanks the doctor and takes his health certificate home with him.  

As with other books in this fine series, children discover they are not the only ones with worries. Sharing this book will allow for questions and discussion to help alleviate fears they might have as well, and will encourage them to try some of the exercises the vet has suggested to keep Scaredy from worrying all the time. 

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