Scaredy Squirrel at Night

Narrated by David de Vries, this latest animated adaptation of author-illustrator Mélanie Watt's series following the escapades of an endearingly neurotic squirrel is based on her 2009 picture book. Noting that he never sleeps—in order to avoid the risk of having a bad dream (his thoughts of freaky dragons, fairies, ghosts, unicorns, etc., are presented in a jumbled kaleidoscope style)—Scaredy Squirrel has plenty of ideas to keep busy, including counting stars and scrapbooking. However, even he admits that sleep loss has side effects—including energy loss, hallucinations, and confusion. When his horoscope ominously predicts that his dreams will come true, Scaredy springs into a silly plan of preventative action (featuring a teddy bear decoy, molasses, and a fire extinguisher). Naturally, there will be an unexpected hitch in his strategy. An ALSC Notable Children's Video selection, this engaging tale about a cute rodent with an overactive imagination is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)