Skunk and Badger (Skunk and Badger #1)
by Amy Timberlake, Jon Klassen (Illustrations)
5 out of 5 stars

Badger has a simple and quiet life studying rocks and doing Important Rock Work. One day Skunk shows up on Badger’s doorstep as his new roommate, and Badger’s quiet life is thrown into chaos. Skunk cooks delicious meals, but dirties up the kitchen. Skunk moves furniture around and recycles all the cardboard boxes that Badger was saving. Skunk invites guests over for a story-time popcorn party until the house is overrun with chickens! Badger is torn between enjoying all the excitement and being angry with Skunk for his wild behavior. How will these two roommates ever find a way to live together in harmony?

I loved this book so much! It reminds me of one of my favorite animal books, “Wind in the Willows”. There is a quiet character and an adventurous character, and they learn to be friends.

The character development is fantastic! Badger goes through a whole internal journey as his world begins to open up and he realizes just how isolated he has become. He is initially dismayed at Skunk’s antics, but also enjoys the good food and companionship that comes into his house. Skunk makes him think differently about his life and see things from a new perspective. I love the warmth of their friendship and how they laugh together.

Skunk is just adorable. He is the underdog of the animal world, because society looks down on his skunk smell. He is a little bit of an outcast, and it’s so endearing. He is energetic and kind and quirky. He is charming and charismatic with everyone he meets. He’s a breath of fresh air in the musty old Badger house.

The story is full of little bits and pieces of small everyday things that happen: cooking breakfast, getting a telegram, cleaning out a closet, having guests to the house, reading a novel. And yet each of these things take on a thrilling significance, because they are so far outside of Badger’s routine.

Skunk will do some completely normal thing, like move some boxes, and Badger is electrified by the unfamiliarity of it. I felt that so strongly along with Badger. I am a creature of habit too, and I don’t like people coming in and messing up my neatly-laid plans, and yet… sometimes… when they do, I find myself having fun against my will. Just like Badger, God bless his dear heart.

I love that the story is simple enough for a children’s chapter book, but it is very meaningful. Badger and Skunk have to apologize and explain and try to do better and learn how to get along. There are so many positive messages about relationships and friendships in this book, but it never feels preachy at all. It flows perfectly with the story.

I just adore the artwork. Some of the illustrations are in color, and others are in black and white, but they are all delightful. The lines are so expressive, and the whole mood is quaint and charming. There are lovely little details in each scene that bring the story to life.

I can’t wait to read more from the Skunk and Badger series! This story made me smile; really deep-down joyful smile from head to toe.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.