Maternal instinct in the natural world is embodied in Mama Squirrel, who erupts into defensive behavior when any potential danger approaches her nest. Cats, dogs, kites, airplanes-all flee from Mama's scolding "Chook, chook, chook!" Only a grizzly bear is not so easily intimidated, and Mama's reprimands make him even more determined to procure a meal of fresh squirrel. Not easily cowed, Mama Squirrel sets off to spread the alarm to her peers throughout the park. An overwhelming battalion of mama squirrels arrives in the nick of time to scold the bear and send him running under a hail of old nuts. The vision of Mama Squirrel charging to rally her troops, righteous determination in the set of her snout while her youngsters barely manage to cling to her back, would indeed make anyone reconsider a confrontation. (Ages 2-5)

Caldecott Honor winner David Ezra Stein’s lively tale is a fantastic read-aloud, and feisty Mama Squirrel will have fierce mamas everywhere applauding!

Ol’ Mama Squirrel has raised lots of babies, and she knows just how to protect them. Whenever trouble comes nosing around, she springs into action with a determined “Chook, chook, chook!” and scares trouble away. Her bravery is put to the test, however, when a really big threat wanders into town and onto her tree. But no matter what, Mama’s not about to back down!