Martha Begley Schade

Why buy this book?This charming & beautifully illustrated book is a useful reader for preteen social science discussions, where the key focus points in this book are friendship, teamwork and how to get along with others by seeking the good in everyone. The Main StorySeven little squirrels live in the woods together and there is a lot of conflict between them. It is when one finds a golden key that they all decide to go on an adventure to find what the key opens - all except one.They plan together and prepare for their journey, which brings them to overcome many obstacles. It is through teamwork that they are successful in finding what the key opens. But there, an unexpected surprise awaits them that brings out the learning in the story.The squirrels make it back home with far different outlooks than they set out with. The premise of this storyThis book covers issues such as self-esteem, the fact no two squirrels (or people) are alike and most importantly that we have to develop ways in getting along with each other. The talking points at the end of the story help stimulate discussion around these topics. In addition, there are fun facts about squirrels and their role in nature.

Why Look at this Book?This charming & beautifully illustrated book is a useful reader for preteen social science discussions, where the key focus points in this book are friendship, depression & lifestyle choices. The Main StoryThis endearing story is excellent at outlining the importance of friendship and teaches young readers especially preteens to talk about their issues if they are depressed.The owl, Tristan, is rejected by all other animals in the woods because he is just "not normal"; always "off-balance".It takes the curious cat, Emily to come along and change all that. She helps set up safety nets around Tristan to prevent him getting as hurt when he loses his balance. Although it takes some time for trust to develop, she perseveres and carefully starts introducing new lifestyle choices to Tristan that may help him combat his depression. The Premise of this StoryThis book covers issues such as depression, kindness, friendship as well as our lifestyle choices. The talking points at the end of the story help stimulate discussion around these topics. In addition, there are fun facts about owls to get detailed insights about the animals.

Why get this book?This endearing book is excellent at outlining the importance of friendship and teaches young readers especially preteens not to ask for pets as Christmas presents if they are unprepared to take responsibility for them thereafter.The Main StoryBuster is an energetic young puppy who was picked up by a family as a Christmas gift. However, the family weren't prepared to deal with the dog's antics after Christmas, as Buster began eating shoes, chewing on handbags, and so on. Following this, the family abandon him at the edge of Merlin woods in Galway, on the west coast of Ireland.On his own, lost, in the freezing weather, Buster is now homeless and forced to make do. He spends a long while traversing the grounds of the woods, cold and hungry. Eventually, he gives up and lays down to perish in the cold. A mother badger named Billa arrives, dragging Buster to her sett where he awakes the next morning; warm and comfortable. He has been saved from perishing by the badger.A beautiful friendship blossoms between Billa & Buster as they look out for and support one another through thick and thin. Especially when it comes to fending off muggers who tried to attack an old lady, who came every day to feed them treats. The Premise of the StoryThe story interweaves the topics of irresponsible abandonment of animals after Christmas, the pain of homelessness, the importance of kindness, the need to nurture friendships as well never judging the book by the cover.This book covers issues such as homelessness, charity, kindness, friendship as well as our responsibilities towards animals. The discussion points at the end of the story help any group expand on these topics. In addition, there are fun facts about badgers to get detailed insights about the animals.