January 21 is Squirrel Appreciation Day (and while we’re on the subject, Squirrel Awareness Month is October). To get into the spirit, here are some of my favorite squirrel books to check out from the library, whether you are looking to learn more about squirrels or want an entertaining squirrel-related read.
599.36 THO
Find it in the catalog!
This book is the go-to resource for all things squirrel-related. I love looking through the appendix of squirrels of the world. Can you pick out the fake squirrel name in the following list?
- fiery squirrel
- pale giant squirrel
- hairy-footed flying squirrel
- arrow flying squirrel
- sculptor squirrel
- shadow chipmunk
Eastern Chipmunks: Secrets of Their Solitary Lives by Lawrence Wishner
599.3232 WIS
Find it in the catalog!
The author shares his findings and photographs after six years of observing a chipmunk colony near his home in Virginia. Even better, the chipmunks have awesome names like Lady Cheltenham, Fenwick, and Earwicker.
(place a hold)
Find it in the catalog!
At the age of 14, film actress Elizabeth Taylor wrote this book about her pet chipmunk, Nibbles. Her sketches and drawings of Nibbles are also included. Originally published in 1946, Elizabeth Taylor's Nibbles and Me was re-released in 2002. A rare find and a really interesting read.
Those Darn Squirrels! (series) by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
I love these picture books. Whether you are three or 93, you will get a laugh out of this series about squirrels that eat from Old Man Fookwire's bird feeders and annoy him to no end.
| Those Darn Squirrels! (book) JE RUBIN Find it in the catalog! |
Those Darn Squirrels! (read along DVD) J-DVD THOSE Find it in the catalog! |
| Those Darn Squirrels and the Cat Next Door (book) JE RUBIN Find it in the catalog! |
Those Darn Squirrels and the Cat Next Door (read along DVD) J-DVD THOSE Find it in the catalog! |
| Those Darn Squirrels Fly South (book) JE RUBIN Find it in the catalog! |
Those Darn Squirrels Fly South (read along DVD) J-DVD THOSE Find it in the catalog! |
Scaredy Squirrel (series) by Mélanie Watt
Cute books about a nervous, socially anxious, and very scaredy squirrel who thinks of every possible scenario that may go wrong and thoroughly prepares for each situation. Filled with whimsical details and funny lists, Mélanie Watt has created an endearing character. Maybe you relate to some of his phobias, or you root for him to overcome his nerves. Either way, readers young and old know what it's like to be afraid of something, and Scaredy always faces his fears in the end!
| Scaredy Squirrel Find it in the catalog! |
Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend Find it in the catalog! |
| Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach Find it in the catalog! |
Scaredy Squirrel at Night Find it in the catalog! |
| Scaredy Squirrel has a Birthday Party Find it in the catalog! |
Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Christmas Find it in the catalog! |
| Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Halloween Find it in the catalog! |
Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping Find it in the catalog! |
We have many picture books with squirrels in our children's department; here are a couple more of my absolute favorites:
Mario Makes a Move by Jill McElmurry JE MCELMURRY Find it in the catalog! A fun story, Mario desires to have his own unique dance move. |
Earl the Squirrel by Don Freeman JE FREEMAN Find it in the catalog! Beautiful scratchboard art illustrations. |
As you can probably tell, I am quite the squirrel fan. I pretty much consider every day to be Squirrel Appreciation Day; nothing makes me happier than to watch a squirrel darting around the grass or performing gymnastic acrobatics in a tree. One thing I have found from being an adamant squirrel admirer is that friends and family tend to share any squirrel or chipmunk related stories, observances, or photos with me. Sometimes I feel like a curator of squirrel memories and history. Do you have any squirrel stories to share? Write them in the comments!
