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Those Darn Squirrels and the Cat Next Door
Last updated Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Author: Adam Rubin
Illustrator: Daniel Salmieri
Date of Publication: 2011
ISBN: 0547429223
Grade Level: 2nd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2025
Synopsis:
All is calm in old man Fookwire's yard until new neighbors - Little Old Lady Hu and her cat, Muffins - move in next door. Muffins is one mean dude! He terrorizes the birds, interrupts Fookwire's painting, and ties the squirrels' tails together.
Fookwire is upset, but not nearly as upset as the squirrels, who devise an ingenious plan to stop Muffins cold.
| Note to readers: |
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There are some nonsense words, so don’t bother trying to define/explain things like
tumbleberries, bonga birds farfle seeds, and skinnymalink. Just have fun with it. Read
“Kaboom! Kablam! Kablooey!” and “those darn squirrels!” with feeling.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Have you seen squirrels at your house or in your neighborhood? What kind of funny
things do they do?
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Do you think animals have personalities? For instance, have you known a dog or cat
who’s especially friendly or grumpy?
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Do you have a pet? What is their name and how do they act?
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What’s your favorite season? What do you like or don’t like about winter, spring, summer
or fall?
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Do neighbors always get along? What’s something neighbors can do to make friends?
Vocabulary
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Craftier: smart and clever
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Mail slot: Some houses have a little opening in the door for mail delivery.
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Easel and brushes: supplies for painting (maybe draw a picture of an easel on the white/black board?)
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Stream: a small river
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Despised: hated
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Ambush: surprise attack
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Haunches: an animals hind legs
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Doused: soaked
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Why did Fookwire like spring more than winter? Discuss how he felt about squirrels and
birds.
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What do you think happened in the “infamous poodle incident” that made Lady Hu and
Muffins move to the forest?
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What are some of the silly things squirrels can do in this story? (do crossword puzzles,
play chess, drink ginger ale, draw plans, eat with forks …)
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Study the plan on page 24-25. What do you think will happen?
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How did the squirrels earn Fookwire’s friendship? Discuss how they all worked together
against a common enemy and stopped the bully.
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Did Muffins look less scary when he’s wet? Why was he embarrassed?
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Do you think Muffins will ever change? How could he make friends?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Make a squirrel puppet using a paper bag. See example at https://www.educationoutside.org/preschool/crafts/squirrel/ or make one using handprints for its tail (see example at https://www.ourkidthings.com/paper-bag-handprint-squirrel-craft/)
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Use a paper plate and googly eyes to make a squirrel with moving eyes. Example is at https://www.easy-crafts-for-kids.com/easy-squirrel-crafts-for-kids.html
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Examples of these crafts are also on Reading to Kids' Pinterest page at https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/january-2025-mysteries-new-adventures/2nd-those-darn-squirrels/.
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| Special activities: |
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Think of other ways the animals could stop Muffins. How would you set a trap?
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*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!
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