The Secret Life of Squirrels



Last updated Monday, February 5, 2018

Author: Nancy Rose
Date of Publication: 2014
ISBN: 0316370274
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Feb. 2018

Synopsis: An irresistible photographic story featuring wild squirrels in homemade miniature domestic settings -- taking a bath, doing laundry, and barbecuing -- will surprise and amuse readers and animal lovers of all ages!

Adorable squirrels as you've never seen them!

You may think you know what squirrels do all day...but Mr. Peanuts is no ordinary squirrel. Instead of climbing trees, he plays the piano. ("Moonlight Sonutta" is his favorite.) Instead of scurrying through the woods, he reads books (such as A Tail of Two Cities). But everything is more fun with company, so Mr. Peanuts writes a letter to Cousin Squirrel and invites him for a visit!

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you think squirrels do every day?
•  How does Mr. Peanuts have fun?

Vocabulary

•  Chattering - to utter rapidly or purposelessly
•  Batter - a mixture of flour, eggs, and milk used to make cookies or pancakes and to coat certain foods before frying
•  Layer - a thickness of some material laid on or spread over a surface
•  Scrumptious - very pleasing, especially to the senses

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What else do squirrels do every day?
•  What do you think Mr. Peanuts and Cousin Squirrel are going to do together?
•  What games do you like to play?

Craft ideas:
•  Bring ahead option - photos of animals from magazines. Kids can draw a picture of a room or scene, then paste the cut out photo of an animal into the scene.
•  Draw Mr. Peanuts in a room or doing a favorite activity.
•  Use a paper bag/ construction paper to make a squirrel or a duck.
•  Make a Valentine Card for your best friend, your teacher, or someone you love.
•  Check our February craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/february-2018-good-friends-craft-ideas/kindergarten/

Special activities:
•  Sing songs about animals, such as 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!