Thimbleberry Stories

Just a bit too twee for me. I usually love gentle, comforting, pretty little stories, and this is not actually saccharine - but gee whiz, it's like eating an entire banana split by yourself. I do think I'd have liked it more when I was a girl, and maybe even now if I'd not read it all in one sitting, though, so it gets 3 instead of 2 stars.

An absolutely adorable short chapter book about a chipmunk named Nigel that visits his friends within his community. Each friend provides a different event for Nigel to take part.

I love the fun plot, setting, and characters of this sweet children's book. This is a great beginning chapter book for any young child. I personally love the animals selected for each character. The author does a wonderful of word play in this book with alliterations that create an intriguing flow for a young reader to enjoy.

Grades K-3. This sweet collection of vignettes features Nigel Chipmunk and his friends Dipper the hummingbird, Mudpuppy the salamander, Claudius the garter snake, Copper the butterfly, and Little Owl. The friends pay visits, go on outings, and help each other out in a loving community reminiscent of the worlds of Beatrix Potter or Jill Barklem’s Brambly Hedge.

Curriculum: This fantasy for young readers would complement social studies units about community and citizenship.

Rylant, C. & Kneen, M. (2006). Thimbleberry stories. San Diego: Harcourt.

Nigel Chipmunk shares a pleasant life with his friends Dipper the hummingbird, Little Owl, Copper the butterfly, Claudius the garter snake, and Mudpuppy the salamander.