Gooseberry Park (edition 1995)

I haven't a shred of objectivity about this delightful story of a squirrel named Stumpy, a bat named Murray, a dog named Kona and the wise and wonderful hermit crab, Gwendolyn.

I read this one aloud about a hundred thousand times and I loved it every bit as much as my animal-obsessed boy did. He, now an elderly teen, still reads it when he's in bed with a cold.

It's lyrical, sweet, and hilarious. There's not a mean line in this book, though there is sarcasm and teasing. There are slightly scary parts, when Stumpy is lost in the storm, but one always feels quite sure that Kona, Murray, and Gwendolyn will be able to find her and reunite her with her babies.

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If you haven't read this book, please do! It's an amazing, cutesy story that's good for anyone who likes animals. It was my first chapter book. It's a bit longer than many initial introductions to chapter books, but the story is better than most of those as well, so it'll keep a child's attention. ( )

Teaching Ideas: "Teachers may want to introduce this book by telling students about Cynthia Rylant and some of her other books. Introduction might include a description of the characters, this this is a fantasy fiction story, and the understanding that dangerous events test the strength of friendship. Character development through the characters dialogue and actions, and feelings. Text comparison with characters in Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White. Students can discuss the ways humor, courage, and persistence enable the friends in both novels to overcome tremendous obstacles. Readers can discuss the impact some of the characters have on the plot, such as Professor Albert, Kona, the wise owl, or the weasel. Discussions can include Kona and his friends' understanding of the personalities of the characters and how they use that knowledge to achieve their goal of finding the stolen watch that glows, or to provide a sign for Stumpy to find them. At the end of the story, students might have a conversation about the changes that have taken place." (A Field Guide to the Classroom Library - TCWP)

A squirrel is having babies when an ice storms hits and the tree falls. A bat is with the babies so the squirells friend is risking his life to save them. Great adventure!

A squirrels named Stumpy is having babies. But when a dangerous ice storm hits Stumpy's tree falls down a bat named Murry is with the babies. So Stumpy's friend Kora is risking his life to save Stumpy and her babies but when Kora gets there Stumpy is not there. So Kora sets of to find her.

I think this book is awesome and adventurous. ( )