Lucas Blogs About Skunk and Badger

It took more than one try to get this picture without glare.

So, what's this book's dea—wait, is this a library book?

Yeah, when I was scoping out books to give as Christmas gifts, I checked a couple out of the library. This one ended up being given to my goddaughter, she's six.

Aren't you supposed to give library books back to the library?

I didn't give this copy to my goddaughter, I bought a new copy of it for her. Anyway, it turns out that her teacher had read it her class.  Anyway, this book's deal is that it's Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake with pictures by Jon Klassen. It's a chapter book that you might read to a child of about six or seven or that a child of about eight or older might read on their own.

Or a blogger in his thirties might read to see if it's an appropriate gift.

Exactly. So, as you might have guessed from the title and cover, Skunk and Badger is one of those books about anthropomorphic animals who are named for their species. It begins with Badger, a rock scientist who's been living in his Aunt Lula's brownstone because he's been unable to secure funding for his important rock work.

Wait a minute, the protagonist of this children's book is an unemployed geologist? Are you sure this is something kids will relate to?

Sure, most kids are unemployed and living off of an older person's largesse. One day he answers the door to find Skunk. And while he initially mistakes Skunk for a door-to-door sales skunk, Badger quickly learns that Skunk is an acquaintance of Aunt Lula's who's fallen on hard times as "Not everyone wants a skunk."

Oh, so Aunt Lula tells Skunk he can move in with Badger and it's sort of an awkward roommates becoming friends story?

Yeah, that's the broad outline. Badger is somewhat withdrawn and reserved, and very much set in his ways, so the arrival of Skunk disrupts his routine. Skunk is brash, outgoing, and maybe not the best at respecting other people's boundaries . Also, he breaks down all of the boxes that Badger's been keeping in the box room.

I'm sorry, the box room?

Badger's a bit of a pack rat, he's been hoarding empty boxes in the spare bedroom.

The very bedroom that Skunk could use?

The very same. Also Skunk lets a bunch of chickens into the rock room.

Where Badger does his important rock work?

That's right.

Well, I can see how that would be disruptive.

However, part of the point of the book is to see Badger actually come to like Skunk as they get to know each other better. But at the same time Badger is constantly judging Skunk based on his initial impressions and his prejudices. He also brushes off his new housemate's concerns and writes Aunt Lula a letter trying to get her to kick Skunk out. And that actually gets at the point of the book. Just a heads up that there be TEH SPOILARZ ahead.

O-ho! Please elucidate.

I mean, it's a kid's book so the moral is gonna be fairly obvious. Near the end of the book Skunk and Badger have an argument in which Badger says "And they wonder why no one wants to live with them! Skunks are the true nuisance animal!" (Timberlake 92)

So then Skunk calls him out on his prejudice?

That's right, Skunk points out all the disparaging things that Badger has said about him and about skunks generally, packs his bag and leaves. Badger reflects on the situation and seeks out Skunk to apologize and commit to being a better housemate. It's too neat an ending for an adult book. However, as a kids' book with a moral about learning to recognize your own biases and prejudices, it's quite effective.

Okay, and how friendly is it to young readers?

I wouldn't say it's intimidating. Timberlake writes clear, direct prose without a lot of unnecessary verbiage. It's definitely not something that would be good for very new readers, but kids who've been reading for a few years should be able to handle it just fine. If there's one criticism I would levy against her as a writer it's the repeated use of the phrases "rock scientist" and "important rock work" which, while humorous, are extraneous given the existence of "geologist" and "geology." If she's worried that kids won't know the words, part of the point of kids' books is to expand vocabulary.

Don't be a fuddy duddy.

I'm not saying they should be excised completely, but for example, Badger could insist on calling himself a "geologist" and Skunk or Aunt Lula could call him a "rock scientist" or refer to his work as "important rock work." 

I'm afraid the horses are already out of the barn in this instance.

So they are. In any case, Timberlake also pulls off the trick of making Badger both the viewpoint character (in the third person) and also clearly in the wrong. Readers will see Badger insist that Skunk accommodate him without reciprocating, and they'll notice that he's more than a little stuffy. Something Timberlake also mines for comic effect.

What about the illustrations?

Oh, they're good, I'm a big fan of Klassen's picture book I Want My Hat Back, and the style here is slightly reminiscent of that, although with a more sketch-y look. Most of the illustrations are in black and white, but there are some color plates as well. The illustrations use thin ink lines with stylized detail in the background and watercolors. They're quite striking and fun. They also capture characters quite well.

So this one sounds like a winner.

It is, at least from the perspective of an adult trying to pick a book for a child. It's well-written, easily readable, and it has a good message. I hope my goddaughter enjoys reading it with her parents.

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake with picture by John Klassen, Algonquin Young Readers hardcover edition, 2020, 124 pages, pairs well with new friendships and rocket potatoes

Links:

Here's the author's website, if you're into that kinda thing.

The illustrator is on Twitter, if you're into that kinda thing.