A Squirrel's Story-A True Tale

"The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it."
                                ~James Bryce


Title:  A Squirrel's Story: A True Tale
Author:  Jana Bommersbach
Illustrator:  Jeff Yesh

This is a true story of an adorable family of gray squirrels, a mamma, and her two babies.  She is looking for the perfect, safe nest where she can raise her little ones and not have to worry about any dangers that may befall them.  The story starts with a big, overweight black cat who is salivating just thinking about the delicious meal those squirrels would make.  Her mother's heart, sensing the danger that this malicious feline might pose to her young ones, sets off to find a home where they can all live together with no fears and anxieties.  She spots a birdhouse that houses wood ducks and claims it as her new family homestead.  It is located in the backyard of two kind people that live in North Dakota and they are happy to have her move in and stay as their tenant.  After her babies are born she nurtures them and teaches them what it is like to be a gray squirrel. The book contains a lot of factual information about squirrels and certainly take-away life lessons. An extra added bonus is the curriculum and activity guides that are perfect for home or classroom use found at the back of the book.  As a former teacher I always loved that added feature, something I could share with my students.  This book has heart, a mother's heart, and the message will resonate within you long after you have read the last page.

Excerpt from "A Squirrel's Story-A True Tale".....

...Oh, I was so relieved.  My boy and girl were both safe, and Sammy had proven that he was a real squirrely squirrel after all.  I took a moment to rest and catch my breath.  That's when I looked down and saw Rudy and Willie.  They were still standing there, watching us.  As we looked at each other, they raised their glasses to me in what I think is called a "toast." I don't speak people, but if I did, I'd bet they were saying, "You did a good job, Mamma Squirrel."

About the Author:

Jana Bommersbach is an acclaimed Arizona journalist who makes her home in Phoenix. A North Dakota native, she attended graduate school at the University of Michigan before relocating to Grand Canyon State in 1972. Her first book, The Trunk Murderess: Winnie Ruth Judd was a national bestseller.  A Squirrel's Story-A True Tale is her first picture book. 

About the Illustrator:

Jeff Yesh is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer who has worked with Five Star Publications,
Inc. since 2000.  His award-winning work has been featured in multiple children's books, including Last Night I Had a Laughmare by J.E. Laufer and From Seed to Apple Tree by Suzanne Slade.  Born and raised in Indiana, Jeff graduated from Indiana State University with a bachelor of fine arts in graphic design.  Based in Carmel, Indiana, Jeff enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Book Review Rating:    8  (Fantastic!)

Read on and read always.

Complimentary copy of this great book was furnished by Little Five Star Publications with thanks!