Synopses & Reviews
How far would you go for a friend? In
Nuts to You, the funny and moving new novel by Newbery Medalist Lynne Rae Perkins, two squirrels go very far indeed to save a friend who has been snatched up by a hawk.
Nuts to You is short, funny, and surprising—an
Incredible Journey with squirrels. It features black-and-white art by the author on every page and will appeal to fans of animal fantasies by Kate DiCamillo, Kathi Appelt, and Avi.
The squirrels Jed, TsTs, and Chai are the very best of friends. So when Jed is snatched up by a hawk and carried away to another realm, TsTs and Chai resolve to go after him. New communities are discovered, new friends are made, huge danger is encountered (both man-made and of the fox and bobcat variety) and mysteries are revealed. Nuts to You is wholly original, funny, lively, and thought-provoking. It is a deeply satisfying piece of storytelling about the power of stories to save the world; about the power of friendship and the importance of community.
This beautiful book is illustrated in black-and-white on every page by the author and includes an introduction, epilogue, and funny footnotes throughout. A terrific read aloud!
Review
“A lovely and insightful creation.” Booklist (starred review)
Review
“[A] tall tale featuring three courageous squirrels. . . . Perkinss twisting-turning narrative provides plenty of fun; along with their impulsiveness, her characters have warm hearts and generous spirits. Readers . . . will relish the squirrels adventures, as well as Perkinss laugh-aloud illustrations and equally witty footnotes.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Review
“Perkins uses language like the best toy ever. …The book begs to be read aloud, except that youd miss the wacky digressions, the goofy footnotes, and the black-and-white illustrations with their built-in micro-plots. Another completely original and exceptional package from Perkins.” Horn Book (starred review)
Review
“Safe, accessible and laced with gentle philosophizing, this has an edge of poetry that gives it colourful tone and texture.” Toronto Star
Review
“The gripping tale of . . . squirrels who embrace adventure in order to rescue one of their own. . . . Generously illustrated with the authors black-and-white drawings, this is a lively story filled with humour and surprising bits of wisdom.” Montreal Gazette
Review
“An amazing adventure story full of humor, desperation and hope, executed perfectly. . . . A perfect read for kids 5 to 15.” Newsday/Kidsday
Review
“Thoughtful, and amusing . . . Hand this lively tale to both the nature-loving kids and the animal fantasy lovers.” Bulletin of the Center for Children & #8217;s Books
Review
“Perkins elucidates delightfully…This is a small story made larger by the ways readers can enjoy Perkinss whimsical conception of squirrel civilization. Some deeper themes may prompt readers to question their interactions with the natural world.” School Library Journal (starred review)
Review
“[An] entertaining story of friendship and adventure...funny and exuberant.” Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
The silhouette of a lone squirrel stood sharp against the pearly morning sky . . .
No, wait—how about this: Two squirrels trudged wearily along. They were already far from home. They were headed even farther. Darkness settled around them and made it hard to move. Still, they kept on.
That is so gloomy. Does it have to be so gloomy?
Okay, how about:
"Danger?" said the squirrel.
"Ha! I laugh at danger."
You didn't make that up. Someone else made that up.
Okay. You start it, then.
What's the story? It depends on who you ask.
About the Author
Lynne Rae Perkins was awarded the Newbery Medal for
Criss Cross. She is the author of two other novels—
All Alone in the Universe, a companion to
Criss Cross, and
As Easy as Falling Off the Face of the Earth. Lynne Rae Perkins has also written and illustrated several picture books, including
The Broken Cat,
Snow Music,
Pictures from Our Vacation, and
The Cardboard Piano. The author, who loves peanut butter, lives with her family in northern Michigan, land of forests and squirrels.
Lynne Rae Perkins was awarded the Newbery Medal for Criss Cross. She is the author of two other novels—All Alone in the Universe, a companion to Criss Cross, and As Easy as Falling Off the Face of the Earth. Lynne Rae Perkins has also written and illustrated several picture books, including The Broken Cat, Snow Music, Pictures from Our Vacation, and The Cardboard Piano. The author, who loves peanut butter, lives with her family in northern Michigan, land of forests and squirrels.