EARL THE SQUIRREL

Warm and welcoming as she opens the story, J.J. Myers draws the listener into Freeman's fanciful world of gray squirrels. Who would think that a squirrel might lack confidence in finding acorns, that a sympathetic human might offer solutions, or that a squirrel-chasing bull would provide the most help? Myers is unobtrusive as narrator, indignant as Mother Squirrel, gruff and mysterious as Owl, and reticent turning to confident as Earl. Myers's brisk pace keeps Earl's quest moving, and her inflection heightens suspense. Young listeners will take pleasure in Freeman's story of finding oneself and enjoy his energetic illustrations. A.R. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2008]