Review: The Squirrels Who Squabbled

Upon meeting Spontaneous Cyril I knew that I was in for a story treat. Cyril the squirrel had nothing stored to eat for winter because he had spent the year enjoying adventures and parties. His cupboards were totally empty, until he spied a pine cone in a Spruce tree.

Now we meet another squirrel, who already has a vast food store for winter. Plan-Ahead Bruce also spies the nut and he sets off to collect it.

As both squirrels reach the branch where the nut is precariously balanced, it falls and bounces into the forest. Greed takes hold of both squirrels and the race to retrieve the nut begins. Who will win the precious pine cone? The story's twist is a bit of a surprise.


The creators of this new story The Squirrels Who Squabbled, Rachel Bright and Jim Field, have produced a wonderfully paced rhythmic read aloud story with illustrations that show a magnificent range of emotions. It is a humorous tale illustrating how a friendship can develop when you learn how to work together.

The Squirrels Who Squabbled will have children streaking in delight and barracking for their chosen squirrel to capture the last of the winter's nuts.

Jim Field has also illustrated the story There's a Lion in my Cornflakes.

Title: The Squirrels Who Squabbled
Author: Rachel Bright
Illustrator: Jim Field
Publisher: Hachette Children's Group, $15.99
Publication Date: 10 April 2018
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781408340479
For ages: 2 - 6
Type: Picture Books