Scaredy Squirrel facts for kids
Scaredy Squirrel is a fun series of children's books. They were written and illustrated by a talented author named Mélanie Watt from Canada. These books have won many awards!
The very first Scaredy Squirrel book came out in March 2006. It was published by Kids Can Press. Later, a TV show based on the books started in 2011.
The stories in the books are told with big pictures and simple words. They often follow a pattern. Scaredy Squirrel, the main character, is afraid of many things. He tries very hard to avoid them. He even makes emergency plans, like having a special kit or pretending to be asleep if danger comes.
But no matter how hard he tries, Scaredy usually ends up facing his fears. When he does, he learns that things are not as scary as he thought. Even after these adventures, he only changes his daily routines a little bit!
The Scaredy Squirrel Books
There are several books in the Scaredy Squirrel series. Each one tells a new story about Scaredy and his adventures.
Scaredy Squirrel
This is the first book in the series. It introduces us to Scaredy Squirrel. He is a very nervous squirrel who is scared of almost everything! To stay safe, he lives in his nut tree and follows a very strict daily routine.
One day, something unexpected happens. He sees what he thinks is a "killer bee"! Scaredy is so terrified that he jumps into the unknown. To his surprise, he discovers something amazing: he can actually fly!
Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend
This book came out in March 2007. In this story, Scaredy decides he needs a friend. But he has very specific rules for his perfect friend! They must be germ-free, have no teeth, and be completely predictable.
Scaredy plans everything carefully. He even brings rubber gloves and air freshener with him. But the friend he finds is not at all what he expected!
Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach
Published in March 2008, this book takes Scaredy to the beach. Of course, Scaredy has a perfect plan for a super safe beach day. He builds his own beach getaway right under his nut tree! It has a germ-free inflatable pool and a plastic flamingo.
But something important is missing: the sound of the ocean. So, Scaredy sets off to find the perfect seashell. He has a detailed map and a plan for every possible problem. He watches out for scary seagulls, pinching lobsters, sharks, falling coconuts, and even shy sea monsters!
Scaredy Squirrel at Night
This book was released in February 2009. In it, Scaredy Squirrel does not want to go to sleep. He is afraid of dreaming about things like dragons, fairies, ghosts, bats, unicorns, and polka-dot monsters.
One night, Scaredy feels he must take big steps to avoid these dreams. His horoscope says that his dreams will come true at midnight! What Scaredy ends up facing is very different from fairies and polka-dot monsters.
Scaredy Squirrel Has a Birthday Party
This fifth book came out in 2011. Scaredy Squirrel does not want a big birthday party. He is afraid it will be ruined by things like clownfish, ants, ponies, Bigfoot, confetti, or porcupines. He planned to invite only himself to his party!
But then someone sends him a happy birthday card. Scaredy thinks he has to invite them to his party to say thank you. His friend Buddy comes to the party with many other dogs. Scaredy then realizes that parties are much more fun when you have lots of friends!
Awards Won
The Scaredy Squirrel books have won many awards around the world! Here are some of them:
In America
Won:
- ALA’s Notable Children's Books
- Independent Publisher Book Awards – Picture Books for ages 6 and under (Bronze award)
- Children's and YA Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils)
- NCTE Notable Children's Books in Language Arts
Shortlisted (meaning they were a finalist):
- ReadBoston 2006 Best Read Aloud Book Award
- ForeWord Book of the Year Award
- Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award
- North Carolina Children's Book Award – Picture Book
In Canada
Won:
- Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award for Children’s Picture Book
- OLA Blue Spruce Award in 2007 and 2008
- Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award
Shortlisted:
- CBA Libris Award for Children’s Author of the Year
Around the World
Won:
- Le Prix de la Librairie Millepage in Vincennes, 2006 (France)
Selected:
- Richard & Judy Book Club Selection (UK)
Scaredy Squirrel TV Show
A television series based on the books was created. It had 52 episodes! The show aired on different channels around the world. In Canada, it was on YTV. In the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Latin America, it was on Cartoon Network. In the United Kingdom, it was on POP. It also aired on Disney XD in France and Poland.
The main character, Scaredy Squirrel, is voiced by Terry McGurrin in the English version of the show. The TV series is only loosely based on the books, meaning it takes the main idea but tells new stories.
