Those Darn Squirrels Fly South (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
This is the first book I've read by Adam Rubin. I realized from the title, that I was probably missing a first book.I enjoyed the illustrations, even though Mr. Fookwire's humanity was sacrificed for humor. His nose didn't even seem like part of his face. That aside, the color palette, textures, and cute squirrels made up for a lot.The story seemed like it needed to be tightened up a bit. It seemed overly wordy in places and unoriginal in others. I didn't really understand the full relationship with Mr. Fookwire and the squirrels. This probably was covered in the first book. Picture books should really be stand alone reads, so the characters' relationship should have been re-established.It was so close to being a good book. The ingredients were there, but it just did't come together. I wouldn't recommend this one, but I am interested enough to search out the first book. I didn't read the first book in this series, so I was a little surprised by the sudden turn in vocabulary about ten pages in. I thought the illustrations were just going to be kind of minimalist and otherworldly, but then 'floogle birds' and 'farfle seeds'. It just wasn't needed. There are some funny gags in here (Santa Vaca, 12 miles per hour, etc.). Not much of a plot: The squirrels head south with the birds, they phone the guy, the guy comes, then they all go home. Is that a spoiler? Rubin & Salmieri go for the comedy all in the characterization and the straight man / comic setup.
What do You think about Those Darn Squirrels Fly South (2012)?
My favorite so far of the series, I think. They are all quite entertaining.
—Ron
Cute book about the things we miss when they're gone.
—hannah557
Sometimes what we think we want is not what we need.
—opanak
