THE BUSY LITTLE SQUIRREL

When winter nears, Squirrel begins his preparations. The leaves begin to fall and the air starts getting colder, so Squirrel springs into action. He has no time to talk to a pair of mice eating a pumpkin or cardinals on a high branch or frogs on the edge of the pond. “He was so busy!” is the repeated refrain. Not even a family of dogs can slow Squirrel’s determined gathering of apples and berries and acorns. Tafuri’s signature illustrations, rendered in brush pen, ink and watercolor pencils depict his brisk autumn movements with precision. Owl, protectively covering three wee owlets, asks Squirrel to watch the moon with him, but he can’t; he’s fast asleep with his booty in the hole of a tree. An appealing nature lesson for the very young, abetted by direct, simple text and the pictures’ subtle detail and attractive composition. (Picture book. 3-6)