“It made me and my dad laugh so hard!”

“I am a huge fan of longer form (and classically illustrated) children’s books like The House on East 88th Street and Crictor, so when I came across Amy Timberlake’s Skunk and Badger — another September book — I almost cried happy tears. From the very beginning, I was entranced. ”

“There isn’t a word out of place in this hugely entertaining book, only made better by Jon Klassens’ ever witty, sepia-toned illustrations.”

“Children’s Book of the Week
This is the chronicle of an unusual friendship between geologist Badger, who is dedicated to his Important Rock Work, and lively Skunk, a great cook who can speak to chickens. They are thrown together as housemates, and after ups and downs Badger, reluctant at first to have his solitary routine disturbed, comes to learn the value of companionship. It is unrestrained about extending the vocabulary of readers, not shrinking from “biome”, “terrarium”, “spigot”, “roughhousing” ...not to mention a wide range of rock and chicken names (such as “tourmaline pegmatite” and “Leghorn”). It celebrates adventure and science, and has appealing sepia-toned ink drawings by Jon Klassen as well as quirky originality and charm. Fun to read aloud to bright kids.
”

“It’s impossible not to think of Arnold Lobel’s classic “Frog and Toad” series as you get to know Timberlake’s charming odd couple, Skunk and Badger. While the characters are anthropomorphized creatures, this book defies age grouping. Anyone who has shared a living space – with siblings, classmates or grown adults –can relate to this witty and whimsical tale. ...Scratchy yet sophisticated ink drawings by Caldecott Medal winner Jon Klassen...add warmth to the already cozy text. A mix of color pieces and black-and-white vignettes, they give this handsomely designed book the look and feel of a classic.”

“Amy Timberlake’s language is delightful — a “Chicken Coop d’Etat”? Be still my heart. As they tip-claw around, testing their living arrangement, Skunk and Badger began to appreciate each other... the clever illustrations by Caldecott winner Jon Klassen perfectly complement the story. New minted readers with a sense of humor, who appreciate read-aloud that make their adults smile, will enjoy this one. I can only hope this marks the beginning of an enduring if unconventional relationship that will play out in many more books.”

“Cumudgeonly Badger is not amused when Skunk moves in. Endearing comedy ensues.”

“Who knew a skunk could be so endearing? Filled with charm and humor, Chicagoan Timberlake tells the story of friendship between the unlikeliest of creatures. The delightful droll narrative added to whimsical illustrations offer up a magic combination emblematic of classic children’s literature.”

“This new book for grade-schoolers is destined to be a children’s classic. Its prickly odd-couple story will leave even grown-ups in stitches. ”

“Yeah, no, I got thoroughly charmed by this one. And not just because Algonquin got all kinds of crazy on us and pulled out all the stops for this book. The occasional tipped in full-color glossy illustrations? Check. Thick creamy pages? Check. A cover that actually feels good to the fingers? Check and check. Timberlake is going for a Winnie-the-Pooh vibe, but I think she’s tapped into something far better. This book has “bedtime” written all over it. It has long words that are fun to listen to, a sly sense of humor, and (of course) Jon Klassen’s art. Mind you, Klassen has gone in a very different direction with the pictures in this book, and I like what he’s done with it. You know how I say kids won’t pick up books with sepia-colored covers? This one might be the exception to the rule. Deserving of all the praise it has received so far, this book’s a winner from tip to smelly tail.”

“A funny and charming short novel, written in crisp, sparkling prose, with outstanding illustrations. A mini gem, perfect for reading aloud. ”

“Book of the Week!
A story offering humor and warmth in equal measures shines with rich language, playful descriptive language (“The bulb hummed flourescently”) and terrific characterizations. There’s so much for younger listeners and older readers to delight in and reflect upon, including two full-color plates and occasional black-and-white illustrations that add to the story’s immense pleasure.”

“Timberlake is a marvelous writer and there are laugh-out-loud lines as she escalates the annoyance factor posed by Skunk, who insists on cooking breakfast (hot chocolate, warm strawberry cinnamon muffins, eggs with roasted peppers) and leaving a mess in the kitchen he expects Badger to clean up. (“Peppers were set on fire - on fire! These were not the habits of the napping book reader.”) Skunk complains about the racket of Badger’s rock tumbler; he invites chickens into the house. Pushed to the limit, Badger lashes out at Skunk. There are deeper messages here, about acceptance, about judgment, about seeing someone as “less than.” In a particularly magical scene, a song played on the ukulele becomes a peace offering.

The book has all the makings of a classic including marvelous full-color plates and black-and-white illustrations by the gifted Klassen, who is a native of Niagara Falls, Ont.”

“A plethora of chickens, a hungry stoat, geodes, a ukulele and breakfast hot chocolate combine for a delightful tale. If you have directions to Chicken Books in North Twist, please share because I want to visit!”

“5 STARS! Amy Timberlake has written a laugh-out-loud funny book for younger middle graders that puts a fresh spin on the old trope of learning the importance of friendship. The writing is terrific and so funny. The delightful illustrations by Jon Klassen are a nice addition to the story. Kids will love this one, as will anyone who gets hold of it.”

“In Skunk and Badger Amy Timberlake has created a wonderful world … the characters are so lovingly drawn, and the world they inhabit so vivid. Lovers of Winnie the Pooh stories and The Wind in the Willows will find a contemporary story in the same vein. The book ends on just the right note and readers can hope for more adventures with this mismatched pair. Like George and Martha and Frog and Toad, Skunk and Badger feel like literary friends with many pages of stories to tell.”

“SHELF AWARENESS (Starred!)
Amy Timberlake writes with whimsical humor reminiscent of A.A. Milne, Arnold Lobel and Kenneth Grahame, which is reinforced by Jon Klassen’s splendid illustrations. Working together, they build a world that is both authentic and fantastically original. Timberlake takes the most human of dynamics—unrelated roommates—and applies it to a pair of lovably flawed, furry protagonists. Klassen’s scratchy black-and-white illustrations are warm and inviting, reassuring readers that, in spite of differences, even when the worst possible things are said, sometimes an apology is all it takes for a Quantum Leap to happen. Reclusive Badger and gregarious Skunk struggle to connect as new roommates—boundaries are crossed, hurtful things are said—in this charming, funny and touching trilogy opener.”

“KIRKUS REVIEW (Starred!)
“Badger’s definitely not ready for his new roommate, Skunk. …A splendid entry in the odd-couple genre, Timberlake’s spunky series opener posits that compassion and inner transformation can strengthen the unlikeliest of friendships. It’s an approach that gestures toward broader societal conversations (consider the word that prompts Skunk to leave: “vermin”) without losing focus on the story’s delightful central duo. The use of fragmented sentences, repetition, and onomatopoeia makes for a fun read. Klassen’s muted, wistful artwork, meanwhile, invokes sweeping sentiments during key events. Exceptionally sweet.” ”

“...perhaps the story for our tumultuous time, as Badger and Skunk....demonstrate how we must look for the things we share rather than focus on all the ways we’re different. ”

“...The friendship the two negotiate is filled with real emotions, friendly warmth, and love. If this pandemic has taught us lessons, one is that children are capable of dealing with a lot, and living in close quarters takes negotiation, which Amy Timberlake so lovely shows with Skunk and Badger...”

“At once hilarious, heartfelt, redemptive and loads of fun, “Skunk and Badger is ultimately a tale of unlikely yet enduring friendship. Perfectly complemented with spot-on illustrations, this recommendation...is one to be read time and time again.”

“Delightful...[Skunk and Badger will] remind readers of Arnold Lobel’s wonderful Frog and Toad series with just a dash of The Wind in the Willows and the old TV sitcom The Odd Couple thrown in for extra spice.””

“We love Skunk and Badger. We don’t just like it. We love it.”

“There’s something so eccentric and bizarre about this utterly charming story that it will appeal across a wide age range.”

“BOOKLIST (Starred!)
...Newbery Honor Book author Timberlake doesn’t underestimate her readers, unhesitatingly incorporating advanced vocabulary and probing Badger’s inner turmoil... Klassen contributes a winning mix of vintage-feeling color paintings and black-and-white drawings, which highlight both the story’s sweet and laugh-out-loud moments, as well as its understated quirk. It’s a treasure of a book that promises future misadventures from your new favorite odd couple. ”

“Skunk and Badger is a glorious, witty, warm and wise story – written with great panache and energy by Amy Timberlake and complemented by a combination of black and white atmospheric drawings in pen and ink wash by Jon Klassen.... The story concerns the very serious Badger, living in a brownstone belonging to his Aunt Lula and, in his self-imposed solitude, happily devoted to his very important rock work. Suddenly, crashing into his life, like the beginning of so many great sitcoms, comes Skunk – freewheeling, chicken- loving, thoughtful and considerate, slightly oblivious and incredibly sociable Skunk. And so, the next great odd couple pairing is born. ... like so much wonderful writing for children, it’s both funny and so much more. There’s so much to reflect upon and to talk about: the give and take, trust and understanding involved in a new friendship or pairing; the fear of the unfamiliar sowing unfounded distrust; and the awful power of a word spoken in anger: ‘vermin’! Amy Timberlake’s careful balance between humour and compassion; hilarity and empathy is perfect.”

“Once you start its impossible to stop because you just have to find out how Badger is going to cope with all the changes introduced by Skunk. ...This story of how two animals become friends despite themselves is an emotionally rich, deeply satisfying and very funny story that children will enjoy. Recommended. ”

““This new series, with its humor and understated (well, sometimes) emotions, deserves a far warmer welcome than the one Skunk initially receives. ”

“I was reading the 1st page and realized immediately it had “punch”! CONGRATULATIONS to Amy!”

“I live a double life. Some days I work with Collective authors to craft beautiful, impactful books for children. Other days, I work in an independent bookstore in San Francisco putting just the right book into the hands of children. Over the years I’ve made it my mission to seek out special books that can be shared family-style, with younger kids and older, and beloved by all. Books like The Wild Robot by Peter Brown and Fortunately the Milk by Neil Gaiman. I read boatloads of books in search of what I respectfully deem “best of.” And I’m thrilled to share my choice for 2020 with you. Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake with illustrations by John Klassen. This is a special book about many important things: compromise, forgiveness, family, and science. Oh, and chickens. Yes, chickens. I invite you to find a copy and share it with all your loved ones. ”

“Writer Amy Timberlake doesn’t put a foot wrong in this delightful, zany, surreal and hilarious odd couple story. There are many pleasant digressions, including a discussion of Shakespeare’s Henry V, a theory of chickens performing quantum leaps and a nonsense retelling of the story of Chicken Little. The characters are nicely drawn, with Badger the much imposed upon scientist and Skunk the affable guest who doesn’t seem to think his flock of chickens a problem. The novel’s good cheer develops and gains momentum as the story progresses and by the last page, as problems are resolved, the reader feels that all is right with the world. ”

“... laugh out loud funny, endearing and quirky in the best sort of way.”

““Timberlake’s slyly humorous story of friendship and misunderstandings is reminiscent in tone of both Winnie the Pooh and Wallace and Gromit. The writing is clever and perceptive (think Kate DiCamillo), and Timberlake never writes down to her audience…. Klassen’s charming black and white drawings appear throughout the text, serving to break up the chapters, capture the characters’ personalities, and highlight the story’s key events. Highly recommended.””

“Whether you have kids, or you’re a child at heart, Skunk and Badger is a charming tale with gorgeous illustrations to match. The unlikely friends story is one that many will appreciate and enjoy, with plenty of nostalgia for older readers. We all remember being read to sleep with wonderful stories, and who is to say we don’t deserve it as adults too? Underneath the cosy atmosphere of Timberlake and Klassen’s creation is a deep, thought-provoking children’s book that doesn’t talk down to younger readers. It is a surefire fall treat. ”

“What a brilliant work to be read aloud! I can clearly see this novel becoming a favorite in classes grades 3+. Kids will look forward to bedtime; students will be anxious for story time. It’s that brilliant. It is a charming work that will delight readers of all ages.”

“I haven’t been this charmed by a book in a long time. Gorgeous, funny language that reminds the reader that kindness goes a long way. And Jon Klassen’s illustrations are SUBLIME. ”

“PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (Starred!)
...art by Caldecott Medalist Klassen offers Wind in the Willows wistfulness. Gleeful, onomatopoeic prose by Newbery Honoree Timberlake, meanwhile, keeps readers engaged through laugh-out-loud repetition as she tackles sensitive issues such as elitism, exclusivity, and even science cited for nefarious purposes: “You’re a skunk. I am a badger. We are not family.” Frog and Toad–like in nuance and tenor, this is no old-fashioned story in which Skunk charms Badger and thaws his frozen heart. Badger is in a privileged position, and his refusal to share what he has and to protect Skunk and his guests has a deep and timely significance—one rendered with an expertly light touch.”

“This book is so much more than a children’s book; it’s written with love and humor and could be used for an adult book club just as easily. There are universal lessons here about tolerance and acceptance...I found Skunk to be one of the best characters I’ve seen lately. This was just what I needed at this time.”

“(I really like that 🦨&🦡 emoji live right next to each other on the emoji palette, out hiking together like true pals.)”

““I had to read the last two chapters this morning — had to find out how that ended... Every counselor will have disputing client groups read SKUNK AND BADGER. It’s a truly satisfying ending... Good relationships foster the best in their environment.””

“I like that Phil gets the whole first page of the book dedication. My favorite part of the book was where S&B work out a plan to accommodate each other’s needs and differences under the same roof. I love organizational planning! ”

“Good morning! I had a wonderful long story night! Laughed so hard, survived the tough heart-squeezing rift (note geological pun!) between friends in a new relationship, learned about familiar and unfamiliar animals and such a thing as a chicken whistle, and enjoyed a Hawaiian ukulele tune on top of a boulder overlooking North Twist. Can’t wait for Book 2! Bravo Amy! A brilliant tale with heartwarming and flawed charming characters with real depth. I love them all and their story! 😁 ”