Book Series Review of Skunk and Badger Series
The Children’s Book Review
Skunk and Badger
Written by Amy Timberlake
Illustrated by Jon Klassen
Ages 6-9 | 136 Pages
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers | ISBN-13: 978-1643750057
What to Expect: Friendship, compromise, geology, inclusivity, and empathy.
With characters and settings nostalgically reminiscent of classics like Wind in the Willows and Frog and Toad, the Badger and Skunk books are stories about seeing the best, getting along with others, and finding joy in life.
Badger is rude, selfish, insular, and prejudiced—he just doesn’t know it. Happy living alone and focusing on his Important Rock Work, Badger has no time for other people and their needs and feelings. All that changes, however, when Aunt Lula insists that Badger share his home—the Brownstone house that she allows him to live in, rent-free—with a roommate.
Skunk is everything Badger is not: he is outgoing, friendly, thoughtful, and has all the time in the world for other people. As he fills the kitchen with dirty dishes (and delicious breakfast), Badger’s Rock Room with chickens (intelligent and fascinating new friends), and the Brownstone with disruptive noise (friendly laughter and interesting conversation), Badger learns that Skunks are not so bad, despite what people say about them— and that he may not be such a desirable roommate himself.
Readers will laugh at and empathize with the introvert Badger as he learns to be more aware of how his words and actions impact those around him while enjoying Skunk’s insights about books, chickens, and cooking. At the same time, gently exciting adventures involving dinosaurs, stolen treasures, and a sneaky hedgehog will keep readers happily turning the pages. Jon Klassen’s delightful, sketchy ink and watercolor drawings bring key scenes to vivid life.
These delightfully entertaining stories are sure to become timeless classics in the animal stories genre.
Buy the Book
Skunk and Badger
Written by Amy Timberlake
Illustrated by Jon Klassen
Ages 6-9 | 136 Pages
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers | ISBN-13: 978-1643750064
Buy the Book
About the Author
Amy Timberlake’s novels for young readers have received a Newbery Honor, an Edgar Award, a Golden Kite Award, and the China Times Best Book Award. She grew up in Hudson, Wisconsin, but now calls Chicago home. She is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and holds an MA in English and Creative Writing from the University of Illinois. You can find her walking on Chicago’s Lakefront Trail on cool, crisp fall days.
About the Illustrator
Jon Klassen is a Canadian-born author-illustrator. His books include I Want My Hat Back; This Is Not My Hat, winner of the Caldecott Medal; and We Found A Hat. He is a member of the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to children’s literature. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.
The Skunk and Badger Series by Amy Timberlake was reviewed by Dr. Jen Harrison. Discover more books series like The Skunk and Badger Series by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with friendship, inclusivity, geology, empathy, and skunk books.