THE MUSKRAT WHO LOST HIS FAMILY

A kind squirrel helps a lonely muskrat in this picture-book sequel.

One day, Hazel, a squirrel, sneaks out to the marsh and stumbles into the water. She is rescued by a muskrat named Malcolm, who lives alone, having “lost my family.” Hazel and Malcolm become friends; she and her father give the muskrat some furniture to “turn his workaday lodge into a real home.” Malcolm tells Hazel that he was separated from his family during a tornado. While attending a Jamboree for her group Treetop Girls, Hazel enlists members in a hunt for Malcolm’s family. She even seeks help from Almond, a pesky “newbie.” Hazel hopes the Treetop Girls will send her letters about their searches, but not one “reported a muskrat family missing a son.” Hazel becomes annoyed by the countless letters she receives from Almond and stops opening them. Months later, Malcolm is greeted by his family, thanks to Almond’s efforts. Hazel discovers Almond tried to update her in the letters. While Toht reveals the two squirrels become “fast friends,” it would have been intriguing to see how the dynamic progressed after Hazel realized her blunder. The picture book’s atypically long text makes this story better suited for kids with chapter book–level reading abilities. Still, the illustrations are delightful. The author excels in the critters’ depictions, juxtaposing serene nature backdrops with clever details like anthropomorphized living spaces and an up-close, colorful image of Treetop Girls badges.

A lengthy but charmingly illustrated tale of friendship.