Egg Marks the Spot
A Skunk and Badger Story
Amy Timberlake (Author)
Jon Klassen (Illustrator)
September 14, 2021
Algonquin Young Readers
Blurb:
When roommates Skunk and Badger head out on a rock-finding expedition, they find surprises behind every boulder in this follow-up to the bestselling, award-winning Skunk and Badger.
“X Marks the Spot!”
Buried in the heart of every animal is a secret treasure. For rock scientist Badger, it’s the Spider Eye Agate he found as a cub, stolen years ago by his crafty cousin, Fisher. For Badger’s roommate, Skunk, the treasure is Sundays with the New Yak Times Book Review. When an old acquaintance, Mr. G. Hedgehog, announces his plan to come for the Book Review as soon as it thumps on the doorstep, Skunk decides an adventure will solve Badger’s problems as well as his own. Surprisingly, Badger agrees. Together
they set off on an agate-finding expedition at Badger’s favorite spot on Endless Lake.
But all is not as it seems at Campsite #5. Fisher appears unexpectedly. Then a chicken arrives who seems intent on staying. Something is up!
Indeed!
Secrets, betrayals, lies
. . . and a luminous, late-Jurassic prize.
In a volume that includes full-color plates and additional black-and-white illustrations by Caldecott medalist Jon Klassen, Newbery Honor author Amy Timberlake takes readers on a second adventure in the new series reviewers have called an instant classic, with comparisons to Frog and Toad, Winnie-the-Pooh, and The Wind in the Willows.
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While intruding, as Skunk frequently does, on Badger’s Important Rock Work, Skunk observes that Badger does not have an “A” rock in his display. This sends Badger back through his memories to when his cousin Fisher stole his agate, his beautiful Spider Eye agate, and never gave it back. Skunk decides that not having an “A” just won’t do and that they simply must go on a rock-finding expedition in Egg Marks the Spot, the most recent book in the Skunk and Badger series by Amy Timberlake (Author) and Jon Klassen (Illustrator).
I really liked last year’s Skunk and Badger (see my review) but Egg Marks the Spot was even more delightful and had me laughing, really laughing, at some of the dialogue and observations.
Again we have that odd couple of Badger who is totally a type A and Skunk who is mostly a type B, except when it comes to the New Yak Times Book Review (can’t say I blame him!). It seems that Badger is slowly growing fond of Skunk (maybe because he cooks delicious meals!) and his entourage, especially little orange hen and appreciates Skunk’s efforts. Although intruding on Important Rock Work is never appreciated.
While on their rock-finding expedition, Skunk and Badger have further adventures. City-born Skunk learns about the woods. They make an incredible discovery that leads to dangerous drama. And Badger realizes an important lesson.
This may be a book written for children, but I loved it. Egg Marks the Spot comes with its own messages regarding good communication and the importance of friends. A truly enjoyable read.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
rating:
5 out of 5 butterflies