Stikki the Squirrel

'A sweet, coming-of-age tale of a young squirrel and all the crazy antics he gets up to. Highly recommended for 7 - 11 years olds!' I must say, there's a lot to enjoy here in this sweetly told story of a young squirrel called Stikki. The author, Jane H. Wood, is a talented writer (and illustrator) who knows how to tell a story to young children. Her book, helped along by a number of wonderful line drawings, will engage most 7-11 year olds as they get to follow Stikki on his adventure out into the big wide world. So, what's the story about. Well, in a nutshell, when Stikki and his two sisters finally get of the nest, they find an exciting world full of, well, all sorts of wonderful (and often confusing) things - the slimy ooze from slugs, a vast puddle thing, and, of course, longlegs - you can probably guess what they are! What follows is a fun-filled adventure with a classic Enid Blyton / A. A. Milne feel to it. There were a number of elements to this smartly plotted story I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, I loved Stikki; he's so full of energy and so wanting to know what everything is and how everything works, the perfect protagonist for this sort of story. Secondly, there's a good flow to the writing style; not only that, but the vocabulary is also well-chosen, making it accessible to the reading age. And thirdly, it's all so very innocent. Yes, there's danger, but it's mostly the exciting sort, and nothing too terrible ever happens. So, if you are a grandparent, parent or school looking for a 'safe', classic-feeling chapter book for 7 - 11 year olds, you can't go too far wrong with Stikki the Squirrel. It's a fun story filled with all sorts of twists and turns, and I suspect most young readers will enjoy getting to know Stikki and rooting for him.

This lovely children's book is a story about Stikki, a young squirrel, and his two sisters. As soon as they are grown to adulthood, they leave their mother and venture out into the world where many wonderful experiences await them as well as all sorts of hazards. They encounter cats, foxes and birds of prey. They relish the warmth of summer where there is plenty of food to sustain them through the endure the cold snow of winter. But it is only when they venture further away that the real dangers become apparent, and Stikki has to use all his skills and courage to help his kin.

This is a very heart-warming and lovable children's story. I was reading this story and it was making me wish I had read more stories like this when I was younger.

"Stikki the Squirrel" by Jane H. Wood is a charming and heartwarming story that appeals to both kids and grown-ups. The book follows the adventures of Stikki, Mollie and Tia, three lovable squirrel siblings, as they face challenges and meet different creatures. Through the story, readers learn about the lives of squirrels, from survival skills to relationships, and gain important lessons about being responsible and showing compassion. While some words may be difficult for younger readers, the engaging storyline and meaningful messages make it a delightful book. The exciting battle scene towards the end is sure to capture children's attention. "Stikki the Squirrel" is a fantastic addition to any child's book collection and a joy for parents to read with their kids. It is highly recommended for older children and adults who enjoy a well-written story.

Read it with my niece, she loved the story and the illustrations, especially the one on p47. She said this book was as good as the book about moomin. I say that is high grade! Highly recommend.