When Jerome Kildee, a solitary man, builds a home in a redwood forest in California, he takes in some skunks and raccoons, but as they begin to multiply, Kildee looks to two human neighbors for help.

Jerome Kildee retires from his monument sculpting business, builds a small house up against a redwood tree in the middle of the California acres he's purchased, and plans on living the life of of hermit/philosopher. He didn't count on becoming host to several families of racoons and skunks, nor did he foresee befriending young Emma Lou, his neighbor from down the hill, but when he does so, his quiet retirement turns into a bustling life full of new friends, and he decides that he doesn't mind the change in plans at all.
A sweet, cozy little story that makes living in a tiny cabin and cuddling up with a skunk seem not all that crazy, really. ( )

When Jerome Kildee built his little house against the giant redwood, he had fancied himself a philosopher. He was going to be a hermit - a lazy recluse who didn't have to work or think.

I read this book aloud with my daughters. It is a 1950 Newbery Honor Book.

Upon his retirement, Jerome Kildee builds a house under a giant redwood tree in the wilderness surrounded by 100 acres of woods and hillside. Although his intention was to remain reclusive, he opens both his home and his heart to his woodland friends which include raccoons, skunks, mice, rats, and even a deer. His home is between two feuding neighbours: the Eppys and the Cabots. When Jerome befriends Emma Lou Eppy it piques the curiosity of Donald Roger Cabot and both children often come to visit him. As the animals multiply and take over Jerome's little house, Emma Lou and Donald Roger work together to find a solution. Doing so, repairs the rift between the feuding families.

We loved this book! My children love animals, so we really enjoyed reading how Jerome lived his life with raccoons in his wood stove and skunks under his bed!

I have often daydreamed about what life would be like to live in the wilderness away from technology and surrounded by nature. I would think it would be a peaceful existence - a simpler time. As long as I had books to read, I could live without television and the internet!

This is a wonderful book to enjoy with your children!

MY RATING: 4.5 stars! ( )

On first glance, just another story for an animal lover about a recluse who loves animals and takes care of them. But there's more that meets the eye when too many animals move in and the recluse enlists the help of two feuding friends.