Welcome, Little Squirrel

When the beavers accidentally chop down the tree with Hazelnut the squirrel's home, they offer her a place to stay for the winter. Hazelnut appreciates the offer, but a few days in the wet river tell her she's not cut out for being a beaver, so she begins wandering in search of place to stay. Thankfully her many neighbors are eager to help, and at long last, Hazelnut finds a place where she can be herself.

This is a fun little woodland story, with the cadence of a fable as Hazelnut moves from one home to another. The bats are nice, but Hazelnut isn't made to hang upside down, and on it goes, until she finds the home that's just right for her. Fall and winter colors offer a pretty backdrop to her journey and the variety of cute, wide-eyed creatures along her way, including beavers, birds, hedgehogs, and more.

Readers will enjoy a story of one determined squirrel, helpful neighbors, and the lesson that kindness begets kindness, it's okay for sometimes feel like a fish out of water, and there's a place in the world for everyone.

Hazelnut is living in a tree ahead of winter's arrival, but when her tree is felled by beavers, poor Hazelnut is left homeless. As she travels through the forest searching for a new home, she finds that many of her neighbors are happy to let her stay. However, they face many different challenges and Hazelnut does not fit in. Will she find a new home?
What I Liked: I adored the pictures, they really showed Hazelnut's distress. I liked the idea that while people may be kind, that sometimes we need to find the place that is right for us. Hazelnut was a sympathetic character and I feel that children will like her and be eager to see how her journey ends.
What Left Me Wanting More: Not much, I liked the various animals shown and how the reader learns how they live in the forest. I would have enjoyed learning about more animals, but it was a good story overall.
Final Verdict: An enjoyable tale that will hold children's attention as they wait to find out what happens to the main character. Well written and with bright, eye catching illustrations. Highly recommended.