Ricky and the Squirrel

PreS-K—As a young rabbit takes a leisurely stroll through the woods one autumn afternoon, he uncovers more than just chestnuts. He discovers a "sleeping" squirrel in the leaves, but is taken aback when finds that the creature's body is cold. Ricky's friend, Annie, immediately knows something is wrong. The two friends carry the squirrel to Ricky's house where his mother points out his gray whiskers and explains that the animal is dead. Ricky and his family bury the squirrel in a beautiful box and mark his grave. On their way home, they see a young squirrel playing in the trees, bringing closure to the story and completing the circle of life. Van Genechten does not toy with euphemisms for death, and his explanation of what has happened to the squirrel is straightforward. He does not delve into specific religious matters, but instead focuses on remembering the deceased fondly and knowing he is in a place where there is no longer pain. Painterly illustrations in bold colors and wide strokes along with a cast of animal characters keep the story from feeling too lifelike. This book and its message are not as intense or personal as Judith Viorst's The Tenth Good Thing About Barney (Atheneum, 1987), Robie Harris's Goodbye Mousie (S & S, 2004), or Corine Demas's Saying Goodbye to Lulu (Little, Brown, 2004), but it will serve young listeners well.—Lindsay Persohn, Crystal Lake Elementary, Lakeland, FL