Skunk and Badger – Amy Timberlake, with pictures by Jon Klassen, Algonquin, (9781643750057), 2020
Format: Paperback ARC
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Genre: Animal fiction
What did you like about the book? Badger is an expert on rocks- rocks are his life, his sole purpose in existing. His Aunt Lula is permitting him to live in one of her brownstone houses so that he can fully concentrate on his passion. One day, however, Skunk shows up at his door, informing him that Aunt Lula is also permitting Skunk to live there. Badger is not happy about this in the least. Not only does he like his privacy and quiet, he does not like skunks! Skunk is a happy fellow who loves chickens, all chickens. It is obvious that these two are going to clash. Although Badger is beginning to question some of his habits and attitudes (Skunk is an excellent cook) (and the chickens are actually rather charming…), he is infuriated when he accidentally gets sprayed by Skunk. The ending is predictable but that does not detract from the enchanting whimsy of the story. The illustrations present in the ARC, in what has become classic Klassen style, accentuate the characters of both animals.
(It should be noted that this is the first book in the Skunk and Badger series.)
Anything you did not like about the book? Nothing.
To whom would you recommend this book? Children who like stories where all the characters are animals, where there is humor both in dialog and illustration would enjoy this story. It would make a nice classroom readaloud for grades 2-4.
Who should buy this book? Elementary school and public libraries
Where would you shelve it? Juvenile fiction
Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Very near
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City: Katrina Yurenka, Retired Librarian, Manager, Youth Services Book Review
Date of Review: 7/27/2020
Youth Services Book Review 
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