Scaredy Squirrel

Narrated by David de Vries and featuring music by Scotty Huff and Robert Reynolds, this animated adaptation of author-illustrator Mélanie Watt's 2006 ALA Notable picture book follows the precise daily routine of the titular rodent, whose existence is limited to sleeping, watching, and eating due to the fact that he “never leaves his nut tree.” The squirrel is terrified of the unknown—including tarantulas, poison ivy, green Martians, killer bees, sharks, germs, etc—and his emergency kit (featuring a parachute and bug spray) does nothing to alleviate his fears. Admitting that there are both advantages and drawbacks to being stationary, one day Scaredy makes some drastic changes. Incorporating pre-school subjects such as time elements and days of the week within a cute story about facing real and exaggerated fears, this 2012 ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Video selection also includes an interview with Watt. Highly recommended. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood)