Marney’s Mix Up

The first of a trio of Silly Squirrel Stories, this book delves into how our prejudices and pre-conceptions can cause misunderstandings and often embarrassment. Marney comes late to his first gathering of stores for winter, and realizes that all the other squirrels have cleaned up their part of the park. Braving new territory on his search for nuts and acorns, he encounters someone or something he has never before seen. Firey-red, chubby cheeked and waving its arms, the THING makes the strangest noise. ‘Ibble-bobble-wibble-oomph!’ Marney is scared and retreats to home territory, asking what on earth that strange language could mean. No-one seems to know. Is it a fox, pretending to speak squirrel? He didn’t want to end up in a squirrel sandwich! Deciding he does need nuts to store for winter, he plucks up his courage and confronts the stranger, repeating “Ibble-bobble-wibble-oomph!”. Ha ha! The stranger, shocked, then understands why he had said such a babble…He explains he had had his mouth full of nuts, there were so many to gather! He is a squirrel, just like Marney, except he is a different colour. A friendship is soon formed, the embarrassment is forgotten. The story line will lead to discussion about racial bias, and should enable exploration and celebration of similarities and differences without misjudging other people. The illustrations add much to the story, showing the characteristics of all the squirrels, their habitat and need for thinking ahead… even if they do forget their hiding places! The pictures will appeal to any child who has watched squirrels scampering through treetops, or whisking through autumn leaves.