Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend

This adaptation of the 2007 book in author and illustrator Mélanie Watt's series about the neuroses of the titular protagonist (see review of Scaredy Squirrel in VL-3/12) features appropriately shrill narration by David de Vries. Although the paranoid solitary squirrel grows bored passing the time by himself—with activities including poring over a phone book and playing with sock puppets—he feels he'd “rather be alone than risk encountering someone dangerous.” However, after spotting a nearby goldfish in a fountain, Scaredy thinks the quiet aquatic creature might have a “bubbly” personality…and at least doesn't have teeth (one of his major fears). Obsessively planning out his ideas of making an optimal first impression, the detail-oriented Scaredy gains a surprise friend who turns his erstwhile “requirements” upside down. Featuring a read-along option and a “making-of” featurette with director Galen Fott, this cute tale about the silly side of over-thinking is highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)