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Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Egg Marks the Spot: A Skunk and Badger Story, written by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Jon Klassen. Harper, 2021. $18.99 ages 8 and up

 

"This was hardly the trip to Endless Lake 
Badger had imagined. Worse, it could have
been the perfect walk! Friday's storm had 
left a world tossed and dazzling in emeralds, 
jades and turquoise. The sun shone. Two 
clouds drifted across a blue sky. Skunk 
should have been shouting hellos to the goats
in that field. And that knotted apple tree?
Skunk should have picked an apple.
"

Since I read their first adventure last year, I have been waiting to meet up with Skunk and Badger once more. They do not disappoint. They remain as quirky as they were in that book, and prove to be very good friends, despite their oddities. Poor Skunk! When he discovers that an old neighbor is prepared to keep stealing his New Yak Times Book Review, Skunk wants to get away. He invites Badger to accompany him on a quest to find important rocks, especially one to replace Badger's letter A rock which has been missing from Badger's Wall of Rocks. Organized alphabetically, Skunk is bothered by the hole left when Badger's cousin Fisher stole his Spider Eye Agate. 

The journey begins well. It leads them to a waterfall in the woods that seems exactly perfect for Important Rock Work ... at least until Fisher shows up to mock Badger's research. It isn't long until they discover Fisher has made an important discovery, and is planning on stealing a dinosaur egg that he has found in a nearby cave. Skunk and Badger will not let that happen.  

Full of heart and humor, this book makes for a perfect read aloud in grades 3 to 5. The action, the quirky twists, and the admirable characters and their strong friendship will keep listeners fully entertained. Witty and joyful, it is an adventure not to be missed. 

Jon Klassen's artwork, as we have come to expect, perfectly complements the entire escapade. 

Bring on Number 3! 

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