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Animals--Chipmunks
26 Reviews
(2)
1-3
Illustrated by
Scott Nash.
Best friends Bunny and Clyde learn that it can be hard to be bad in this early chapter book. The rabbit and chipmunk duo are tired of being good and decide to put their energy into being bad, but each of their misdeeds ends up aiding the intended victim in comically unintentional ways. In one instance, Bunny and Clyde toilet paper a neighbor's rose bushes, which, it turns out, protects the flowers from an unexpected frost. Never ones to give up, the two move on to more and more daring attempts at villainy, all of which lead to disappointment. McDonald's short chapters, simple sentences, and snappy dialogue are perfect for newly emerging readers looking to take their first steps beyond early readers. Nash's frequent full- and partial-page black-and-white illustrations (final art not seen) provide lots of breaks in the text and ably capture the hijinks of these two fundamentally goodhearted critters. Bunny and Clyde can't help but fail to live up to their infamous namesakes.
Reviewer: Eric Carpenter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2024
(2)
PS
Illustrated by
Nia Gould.
It's Hanukkah, and Charley Chipmunk has pledged to bring the menorah to his celebration with his friend Seymour Squirrel, along with...something that starts with C. Carrots, a cantaloupe, and chocolate gelt all make their way into his bag. Young readers and listeners will enjoy the silliness, and possibly the knowledge that they have better memories or deduction skills than Charley. The solution Seymour suggests (don't try this at home) is reminiscent of the Hanukkah legend of the oil miracle. Illustrations in a muted palette lend a cozy feel as the friends observe the holiday and tell the story of the Maccabees.
Reviewer: Shoshana Flax
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2024
(3)
K-3
When chipmunk Izzy receives Bear's note ("Please come at once!"), she braves heavy snowfall until squirrel Scritch relieves her with a piggyback ride; when Scritch tires, duck Bingle lends a wing, etc. Readers who don't question the advisability of characters risking Izzy's safety to pull off her surprise birthday party will enjoy the friends' mutual devotion and Lies's charmingly old-fashioned acrylic paintings.
Reviewer: Nell Beram
(4)
4-6
Chipmunk Twig and his woodland friends set sail to find baby dragon Char's lost family on a mysterious island. Danger looms on their ocean quest, but bravery, teamwork, and hope will surely see them through. This sequel to Brambleheart again features Cole's twee storytelling as well as his charming pencil illustrations sprinkled throughout the classic-feeling animal fantasy.
Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant
(3)
PS
Mouse and Chipmunk both covet the same acorn, and each goes to great lengths to take possession of it. In the end, the nut's original owner claims it, and the friends realize how silly they've been. This lighthearted story about greed is accompanied by lively illustrations that make the most of the shenanigans.
Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear
(4)
4-6
Inept chipmunk Twig worries he won't receive a worthy job assignment at the upcoming Naming Ceremony. When a newly hatched dragon imprints on him, the extraordinary event brings him new purpose and success. Cole's soft black-and-white pencil illustrations complement the text, evoking Twig's simple, wondrous experience of nature, friendship, and growing up. Though twee, this story has classic animal-fantasy appeal.
Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant
(3)
K-3
I Like to Read series.
To each of Bear's raves about the beach--"I like the sun"; "I like to swim"--Chipmunk replies, "Not me!" Meanwhile, winking watercolor and ink illustrations show what Bear misses: Chipmunk tossed by a wave, pinched by a crab, etc. A note-perfect punch line--"'Why did you come?' said Bear. 'I came to be with you.' said Chipmunk"--makes a pleasing valentine to friendship.
Reviewer: Nell Beram
(4)
K-3
In My Backyard series.
These books about common backyard creatures provide basic information on offspring, appearance, habitat, diet, and predators. Although the writing feels stilted in places, the layouts are clean and inviting, with text, a small photo, and a set-off individual fact on one page and a crisp full-page photo on the facing page. A creative activity is included in each book. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these In My Backyard titles: Chipmunks, Squirrels, Mice[cf], and Moles.
Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan
(4)
K-3
In spring, a chipmunk searches for seeds he buried last fall, only to find a seedling instead. Under the watchful eyes of meadow creatures, it grows into a sunflower. Finely rendered watercolors help demonstrate the sunflower's life cycle, but the smiling, overly cute critters contrast with the realism of the landscape. An endnote provides more straightforward scientific information.
Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan
(4)
K-3
Pebble Plus: Backyard Animals series.
These slight, limited introductions to common (and cute!) backyard animals feature easy-to-read texts and large, close-up photographs of the critters in action on attractive, roomy pages. Young children with an interest in animals will appreciate the included activities that encourage basic wildlife observation right outside their door. Each book includes Common Core critical-thinking questions. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pebble Plus: Backyard Animals titles: Chipmunks and Rabbits.
Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen
(4)
PS
Illustrated by
Jed Henry.
A family of woodland chipmunks enjoys a fun-filled day together while expressing their love in multiple ways. Clever rhymes with upbeat language--"Sudsy, wudsy, splash, and laugh. / Love you more than bubbly bath"--follow a clear pattern and enhance an otherwise unoriginal message. Henry's illustrations featuring affectionate critters wearing old-timey clothes are lively, bright, and detailed.
Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Kirstie Edmunds.
In two silly stories, chipmunk Lulu and squirrel Bruno, imaginative friends who live on a playground, trick the mean playground cats out of their cupcakes and pretend to swing, slide, etc. while actually in time-out. The plot lines wander, but simple speech-bubble text makes this lengthy easy reader suited for shared reading; sunny digital art adds to the jovial tone.
Reviewer: Julie Bartynski-Fenner
(3)
K-3
I Like to Read series.
Bear and Chipmunk enjoy a snowy day outdoors shoveling, skating, and skiing. Throughout the simple story, whenever Bear speaks, Chipmunk replies, "Me too!" But when Bear says, "Sweet dreams," Chipmunk fires back a satisfyingly different reply. With this comical twist and the visual jokes in his lively illustrations, Gorbachev creates an entertaining book for those who are just beginning to read.
Reviewer: Martha Sibert
(3)
K-3
Hole Truth: Underground Animal Life series.
Simple, well-placed text combined with labeled diagrams, thoughtful discussion questions, and attention-grabbing photographs will hook beginning researchers into this series about animal burrows and dens. A "Science Lab" activity at the end of each book offers more opportunities for reader interaction. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Hole Truth: Underground Animals Life titles: Chipmunk's Hole, Fox's Den, Groundhog's Burrow, and Prairie Dog's Hideaway.
Reviewer: Kari Allen
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Dan Krall.
Zoo chipmunks Cutesy, Blinky, and Bob go unnoticed by crowds who ogle sleeping sloths, grass-chewing zebras, and other boring inhabitants. They don costumes, play rock music, and attempt dangerous feats--but still nothing. When they resort to their zoo neighbors' behaviors, the crowds (and paparazzi) swarm--to the trio's surprising dislike. The silly chubby-cheeked critters are textually and visually full of character.
Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan
(3)
PS
A curious chipmunk follows an object "like a diamond in the sky" up to a nest, over some water, and, lofted by the wind, close to the moon. The wonderstruck creature splashes down in a pond and is rescued by a swan before finally making its way home. "Twinkle, Twinkle" lyrics are interspersed unobtrusively throughout the lush, warm, mostly wordless spreads.
Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz
(4)
4-6
Fog Mound series.
Illustrated by
Jon Buller.
In this conclusion to the fantasy trilogy, Thelonious Chipmunk and his friends prevent the Dragon Lady and her ratmink minions from invading the protected Fog Mound. Chapters alternate between comic-panel format and text with spot illustrations. There's an unsubtle message about ecology and how "unforeseen consequences" nearly wiped out life on Earth.
Reviewer: David Elzey
(2)
PS
In this wordless book, a little girl tries to keep dog Jack away from her backyard tea party. Action-filled pictures switch perspectives and zoom in and out, allowing glimpses of a curious chipmunk. Just right for "reading" together and for letting preschoolers tell the story on their own; be sure to have kids compare the almost-identical front and back endpapers.
Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2008
(3)
K-3
Brand New Readers series.
Illustrated by
Jill Newton.
In four brief stories with introductions to be read by adults then one easy-to-read sentence per page, Rita the chipmunk and Larry the porcupine try to dance together; Rita blows bubbles; Larry goes beachcombing; and Rita visits Larry's booth at the fair. Dynamic acrylic illustrations help beginners decipher the text, while the humorous punchlines provide an added incentive to keep reading.
Reviewer: Martha Sibert
(4)
4-6
Fog Mound series.
In this post-apocalyptic animal fantasy, Thelonious Chipmunk and friends journey to determine what happened to the people of Earth; the implied backstory involves global warming and genetic engineering. The character of Bill, a pint-size human saved from apparent extinction by cryogenics, adds tension the first entry lacked, but the alternation between marginally illustrated text and statically composed comic panels remains inexplicable.
Reviewer: David Elzey
26 reviews
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