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Skunk and Badger (Skunk and Badger 1) Hardcover – Illustrated, September 15, 2020

by Amy Timberlake (Author), Jon Klassen (Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 728 ratings
Editors' pick Best Books Ages 6-8
See all formats and editions
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Learn how Skunk and Badger first became roommates before embarking on their latest adventure, Egg Marks the Spot!

A Best Book of 2020: People * Kirkus Reviews * Booklist  * School Library Journal * Publishers Weekly * Shelf Awareness for Readers * New York Public Library * Chicago Public Library * Evanston Public Library

Wallace and Gromit meets Winnie-the-Pooh in a fresh take on a classic odd-couple friendship, from Newbery Honor author Amy Timberlake with full-color and black-and-white illustrations throughout by Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen.
 
No one wants a skunk.
 
They are unwelcome on front stoops. They should not linger in Important Rock Rooms. Skunks should never, ever be allowed to move in. But Skunk is Badger’s new roommate, and there is nothing Badger can do about it.
 
When Skunk plows into Badger’s life, everything Badger knows is upended. Tails are flipped. The wrong animal is sprayed. And why-oh-why are there so many chickens?
 
“Nooooooooooooooooooooo!”
 
Newbery Honor author Amy Timberlake spins the first tale in a series about two opposites who need to be friends.
 
New York Times bestselling author/illustrator and Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen completes the book with his signature lushly textured art. This beautifully bound edition contains both full-color plates and numerous black-and-white illustrations.
 
Skunk and Badger is a book you’ll want to read, reread, and read out loud . . . again and again.
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    7 - 10 years, from customers
  2. Book 1 of 2
    Skunk and Badger
  3. Print length
    136 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    3 - 7
  6. Dimensions
    6.5 x 0.75 x 8.25 inches
  7. Publisher
    Algonquin Young Readers
  8. Publication date
    September 15, 2020
  9. ISBN-10
    1643750054
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1643750057
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 2-5-Badger is a quiet, solitary geologist intent on his important rock work. Skunk is an outgoing, friendly, unwelcome new roommate. They have nothing in common. Aunt Lula must have been crazy to suggest it-this is never going to work out. But, the more time they spend together, the more they learn about each other. Maybe they have more in common than they realized, and maybe being roommates is just what they both needed. And who knew chickens were such conversationalists and story lovers? In a classic odd-couple pairing, Badger and Skunk show how opposites attract and that making friends means opening yourself up to possibilities. Finding the things that we share is much harder than seeing the ways we are different. Badger is a bit testy and grumpy, while Skunk is prone to leap before he looks-but together they are a fun duo who complement each other. Clear themes of tolerance, friendship, and understanding drive the story in a way that children will respond to. The subtle nod to unemployment and potential homelessness that begins the story provides opportunities to expand learning and compassion. VERDICT Overall, a sweet unlikely friendship story that would be a welcome addition to any elementary or public library.-­Elizabeth Speer, Weatherford Coll., TXα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

A 2021 Capitol Choices Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens Selection

“Wordy fun, with laugh-out-loud dialogue…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… Lovers of rocks and chickens, and nerds of all stripes, will crack a smile…Scratchy yet sophisticated ink drawings by the Caldecott Medal winner Jon Klassen add warmth to the already cozy text…they give this handsomely designed book the look and feel of a classic.”
—The New York Times Book Review

“Curmudgeonly Badger is not amused when Skunk moves in. Endearing comedy ensues.”
—People

“Gloriously complemented by Jon Klassen's meticulous illustrations, Skunk and Badger has the feel of a bygone era while telling a completely modern (and delightful) story of how hard change can be, and how worth it change is.”
—NPR

“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.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“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.” 
—Booklist, starred review

“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. 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.” 
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Clear themes of tolerance, friendship, and understanding drive the story in a way that children will respond to. The subtle nod to unemployment and potential homelessness that begins the story provides opportunities to expand learning and compassion. ­Overall, a sweet unlikely friendship story that would be a welcome addition to any elementary or public library.” 
—School Library Journal

“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. [A] charming, funny and touching trilogy opener.”
—Shelf Awareness

“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.”
—New York Journal of Books

“Reminiscent of Lobel’s Frog and Toad stories... Klassen’s black and white art is finely lined with intricate detail and rich shading, calibrating to the story’s classic feel but maintaining a modern edge. Readers graduating from Lobel’s work but still looking for a good animal buddy story will find it with Skunk and Badger.” 
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“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.”
—Bookstr

“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.”
—Manhattan Book Review

“Kids will love the humor in this book, as the two of them learn to adjust to one another’s peccadilloes and become friends. Hint: you’ll love it, too."
—Philadelphia Tribune

“Somewhere east of 'Frog and Toad' and west of 'The Odd Couple' live Skunk and Badger, as mismatched a pair of musteloids as you'll ever find in North Twist…Jon Klassen's full-color plates and spot black-and-white illustrations give Skunk and Badger an old-fashioned appearance in the right kind of way…You will learn a little about rocks and chickens while reading this book. More importantly, you will learn about the delicate art of working things out with the people you live with, a timely lesson for many of us cooped up together during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“Skunk and Badger is everything I want in an early reader book: madcap silliness, fun science facts about geology and chickens, and a heartfelt lesson about the mistakes Badger makes on a bumpy road to friendship with Skunk and Lead him to reckoning atonement. Also, Jon Klassen’s artwork is beautiful.”
—The San Diego Union Tribune

“…Both an entertaining solo read for emerging readers and a lively read-aloud for younger kids. Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen’s occasional illustrations add yet more pizazz to a story rich with humor and heart.”
—Washington Parent

“A delightful, witty tale . . . Middle grade readers will be enthralled by the funny, precise portrait of two distinct personalities coming together in an unlikely but durable bond of friendship.”
—Midwest Book Review

“Fresh and warm as a waffle. More, please!”
— Adam Rex, New York Times best-selling author of The True Meaning of Smekday and School’s First Day of School

“A gently brilliant book by Amy Timberlake. Skunk and Badger reads like a classic yet couldn’t be more timely, and is one of those books that you want to start rereading as soon as you reach the end. Jon Klassen’s art is fabulous and perfectly suited to the text.”
—Jarrett Lerner, author of EngiNerds and Geeger the Robot Goes to School

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Algonquin Young Readers; Illustrated edition (September 15, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 136 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1643750054
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1643750057
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 7 - 10 years, from customers
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 0.75 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 728 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Jon Klassen

    Jon Klassen

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    Jon Klassen is a Canadian-born author/illustrator. He has written and illustrated three picture books of his own and illustrated many other author’s texts. His own books are called I Want My Hat Back, This Is Not My Hat and We Found A Hat. Highlights of his illustrated books are Sam & Dave Dig A Hole by Mac Barnett, The Dark by Lemony Snicket, and his latest is The Wolf, The Duck & The Mouse also by Mac Barnett. His books have won a Caldecott medal and two Caldecott honors and other international awards.

    He lives in Los Angeles, California with his wife and son.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Amy Timberlake

    Amy Timberlake

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    AMY TIMBERLAKE'S WORK has received a Newbery Honor, an Edgar, and a Golden Kite Award. She’s had books on the Indie Books Bestseller list, one book was Tattered Covers’ Book of the Year, and reviews have appeared in the New York Times Book Review, The Sunday Times, The Irish Times, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Christian Science Monitor, People Magazine,The Sydney Morning Herald, and also on various radio programs and podcasts. It delights Amy that the Skunk and Badger stories are being translated into fourteen languages. Also, Chicago's Lifeline Theatre has adapted both One Came Home and The Dirty Cowboy for the stage. She's received residency fellowships from Hedgebrook, and The Anderson Center.

    Find out more at amytimberlake.com

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
728 global ratings
A Fun Read
5 Stars
A Fun Read
Skunk and Badger will soon become one of the classic "odd couples" in children's literature, much like Frog and Toad or Elephant and Piggie. If you’re looking for an early middle-grade book to read with the kids, this is a great one. Good read-aloud for the youngest, easy for the independent readers. And as per usual, Jon Klassen's illustrations add to the fun. And it’s funny!Words by Amy Timberlake and illustrations by Jon Klassen
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Top reviews from the United States

Loves libraries and trains
5.0 out of 5 stars A great story with some important life lessons!
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
This story is about friends and friendship - along with responsibility and sharing. A children's story that is perfect for adults that teaches important life lessons using a Badger who is a self important rock collector and a Skunk who arrives at Badger's door with an introduction from Badger's aunt. What happens in the next 122 pages is hilarious and thoughtful.. I read it more than once - my book club read and discussed it and loved it. This purchase is for a dear friend. Grab a copy! You'll enjoy it! Share it with friends!
2 people found this helpful
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Rits
5.0 out of 5 stars Quaint and Charming
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2020
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I purchased this book both as a gift to my nephew who's quite fond of skunks & other woodland creatures, and also because I myself was somewhat drawn in by its seemingly whimsical premise. After reading it we both agree that this is a wonderful little tale which endears the reader with its playfully odd way of telling its story, along with the awkward yet entertaining interactions between the two main characters. It reads not unlike a classic book of similar subject matter akin to "The Wind in the Willows", but with a modern spin, which we felt struck a nice balance that made the writing straightforward yet engaging.

The only criticism we have had about the book is that it feels a bit short and thus feels a tiny amount rushed in some parts, but perhaps this is to be expected for a book made to be accessible to younger readers, and if there are sequels then that may remedy the issue.

All in all, a lovely book to get for a young loved one who enjoys stories about quirky animal folk - or really for anyone who might enjoy a bit of lighthearted fun reading such a tale.
15 people found this helpful
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F. Edwards
5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet, worthwhile book
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2023
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Made me smile several times. Some excellent messages (on the subject of giving a chicken to the stoat mail carrier to eat, Skunk points out it is impossible, as “Chickens are their own chickens”) and a very endearing ending in the form of a new beginning for Rocket Potato. I am extraordinarily picky about books, but I highly recommend this one.
2 people found this helpful
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Ellen
4.0 out of 5 stars Nice story
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2021
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Sweet story but my Granddaughter just could not get into it.
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Leah
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Story!
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2021
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This is a beautifully written book. Informative. Imaginative. Charming. Touching. Enjoy it along with the child/children you are reading with. A child of six or seven can enjoy it if you read aloud. A child of about nine or older can read it alone. But reading together is worthwhile because you can look up rocks and chickens and enjoy this wonderful book more deeply.
7 people found this helpful
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Ona Gribben
5.0 out of 5 stars A Read Aloud Favorite!
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2022
Verified Purchase
This book has been one of my favorite read aloud stories. Witty and endearing with humor sprinkled throughout. My 5 year old loved it. She was engaged and the science thrown in led to some very fun research.
4 people found this helpful
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Cynthia N
5.0 out of 5 stars These animals taught me a thing or two
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
Skunk and Badger is a wonderful tale. The little ones hearing it and the older children reading it for themselves will laugh and worry and try to guess what will happen next. And the adults reading aloud? We will see ourselves, the noble and the not so noble bits. We will find ourselves hoping that the people we wish to be will be reflected in how these two wonderful, quirky characters learn to live together and appreciate each other. And we will absorb a whole lot about rocks and chickens in the process.
15 people found this helpful
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Carrie
5.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Read
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
Skunk and Badger will soon become one of the classic "odd couples" in children's literature, much like Frog and Toad or Elephant and Piggie. If you’re looking for an early middle-grade book to read with the kids, this is a great one. Good read-aloud for the youngest, easy for the independent readers. And as per usual, Jon Klassen's illustrations add to the fun. And it’s funny!

Words by Amy Timberlake and illustrations by Jon Klassen
Customer image
Carrie
5.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Read
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2020
Skunk and Badger will soon become one of the classic "odd couples" in children's literature, much like Frog and Toad or Elephant and Piggie. If you’re looking for an early middle-grade book to read with the kids, this is a great one. Good read-aloud for the youngest, easy for the independent readers. And as per usual, Jon Klassen's illustrations add to the fun. And it’s funny!

Words by Amy Timberlake and illustrations by Jon Klassen
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23 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Wayne
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and great illustrations
Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2022
Verified Purchase
A really good story and very well written.
My wife got it for me . I'm 71 years old.
One person found this helpful
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kenocanales
5.0 out of 5 stars Cómico y creativo.
Reviewed in Mexico on March 29, 2021
Verified Purchase
Un cuento muy creativo y lleno de escenas graciosas. Ideal para lectores jóvenes. Nos ayuda a reflexionar y a no juzgar a las personas antes de conocerlas.
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Alex W
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 4, 2020
Verified Purchase
I bought this on the basis of a glowing review in the Sunday Times and, having now read it to my seven-year-old daughter, am delighted with the purchase. It is a very witty, original and charming story, laden with absurdities; in terms of language development for a child, it also presents a satisfying challenge. But above all, it is great fun to read (aloud).
2 people found this helpful
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Anne Love
5.0 out of 5 stars book met my expectations
Reviewed in Canada on November 13, 2020
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had read a review and was interested in the book for a friend's grandson
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ah
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2022
Verified Purchase
A beautiful and heart warming story. A story unveiling the importance of Friendship, kindness and giving priority to the most meaningful matters in life. Also a fun read especially whilst read aloud.
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