Those Darn Squirrels and the Cat Next Door

Narrated by Kirby Heyborne, this 2011 sequel to the original picture book adaptation (reviewed in VL-1/14) in author Adam Rubin and illustrator Daniel Salmiere's trilogy continues the escapades of a gaggle of fun-loving squirrels who are a nuisance to elderly grump Old Man Fookwire. Some things remain the same: the old guy still hates snow (he misses summer, with its suntan lotion and weenie roasts), is annoyed by the wacky squirrel antics, and loves watching the chirping colorful birds in his yard. However, here the threat to his outdoor aviary-ish paradise comes in the form of new neighbor Little Old Lady Hu, the town baker, who has a pet cat named Muffins. The latter makes things miserable for everyone on Fookwire's side of the street, until the squirrel gang comes up with a plan. Also featuring a read-along option, this fun addition to the series is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)