Skunk and Badger

Badger thinks his life is perfect. He lives in a big house loaned to him by his aunt. He has a room to sleep in, a kitchen to keep his cold cereal and milk in (that is all he eats), a room to keep his boxes in, and a room to do him very important rock work in. But he’s surprised when Skunk shows up and says that Aunt Lula said he could also stay in the house.

Badger is not happy, and he gets more unhappy as Skunk cooks delicious but messy food, takes over the box room, invites 100 chickens in for story hour, and then does what skunks do. It’s all too much. Badger throws Skunk out. But soon Badger realizes that he misses Skunk and the chickens and the mess. Is it too late to make things right?

Amy Timberlake has written a laugh-out-loud funny book for younger middle graders that puts a fresh spin on the old trope of learning the importance of friendship. The writing is terrific and so funny. The delightful illustrations by Jon Klassen are a nice addition to the story. Kids will love this one, as will anyone who gets hold of it.