A Best Book of 2020: People * Kirkus Reviews * Booklist * School Library Journal * Publishers Weekly * Shelf Awareness for Readers * New York Public Library * Chicago Public Library * Evanston Public Library This acclaimed and bestselling best book of the year is a delightful animal-odd-couple story by Newbery Honoree Amy Timberlake with pictures from Caldecott medalist Jon Klassen. No one wants a skunk. They are unwelcome on front stoops. They should not linger in Important Rock Rooms. Skunks should never, ever be allowed to move in. But Skunk is Badger's new roommate, and there is nothing Badger can do about it. When Skunk plows into Badger's life, everything Badger knows is upended. Tails are flipped. The wrong animal is sprayed. And why-oh-why are there so many chickens? Newbery Honor author Amy Timberlake spins the first tale in a series about two opposites who need to be friends. New York Times bestselling author-illustrator and Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen completes the book with his signature lushly textured art. This beautifully produced paperback edition contains both full-color plates and numerous black-and-white illustrations. Skunk and Badger is a book you'll want to read, reread, and read out loud . . . again and again. Skunk and Badger return in: Egg Marks the Spot Rock Paper Incisors (Coming October 2025) Review Quotes:"Wordy fun, with laugh-out-loud dialogue...this book defies age grouping. Anyone who has shared a living space -- with siblings, classmates or grown adults -- can relate to this witty and whimsical tale. Lovers of rocks and chickens, and nerds of all stripes, will crack a smile. Scratchy yet sophisticated ink drawings by the Caldecott Medal winner Jon Klassen add warmth to the already cozy text...they give this handsomely designed book the look and feel of a classic."-- The New York Times Book Review* "A splendid entry in the odd-couple genre, Timberlake's spunky series opener posits that compassion and inner transformation can strengthen the unlikeliest of friendships. It's an approach that gestures toward broader societal conversations (consider the word that prompts Skunk to leave: "vermin") without losing focus on the story's delightful central duo. The use of fragmented sentences, repetition, and onomatopoeia makes for a fun read. Klassen's muted, wistful artwork, meanwhile, invokes sweeping sentiments during key events. Exceptionally sweet."-- Kirkus Reviews, starred review* "Newbery Honor Book author Timberlake doesn't underestimate her readers, unhesitatingly incorporating advanced vocabulary and probing Badger's inner turmoil. Klassen contributes a winning mix of vintage-feeling color paintings and black-and-white drawings, which highlight both the story's sweet and laugh-out-loud moments, as well as its understated quirk. It's a treasure of a book that promises future misadventures from your new favorite odd couple." -- Booklist, starred review* "Art by Caldecott Medalist Klassen offers Wind in the Willows wistfulness. Gleeful, onomatopoeic prose by Newbery Honoree Timberlake, meanwhile, keeps readers engaged through laugh-out-loud repetition as she tackles sensitive issues such as elitism, exclusivity, and even science cited for nefarious purposes. Frog and Toad-like in nuance and tenor, this is no old-fashioned story in which Skunk charms Badger and thaws his frozen heart. Badger is in a privileged position, and his refusal to share what he has and to protect Skunk and his guests has a deep and timely significance--one rendered with an expertly light touch." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review"Curmudgeonly Badger is not amused when Skunk moves in. Endearing comedy ensues."-- People"Gloriously complemented by Jon Klassen's meticulous illustrations, Skunk and Badger has the feel of a bygone era while telling a completely modern (and delightful) story of how hard change can be, and how worth it change is."-- NPR"Clear themes of tolerance, friendship, and understanding drive the story in a way that children will respond to. The subtle nod to unemployment and potential homelessness that begins the story provides opportunities to expand learning and compassion. Overall, a sweet unlikely friendship story that would be a welcome addition to any elementary or public library."-- School Library Journal* "Amy Timberlake writes with whimsical humor reminiscent of A.A. Milne, Arnold Lobel and Kenneth Grahame, which is reinforced by Jon Klassen's splendid illustrations. [A] charming, funny and touching trilogy opener."-- Shelf Awareness, starred review"In Skunk and Badger, Amy Timberlake has created a wonderful world . . . The characters are so lovingly drawn, and the world they inhabit so vivid. Lovers of Winnie the Pooh stories and The Wind in the Willows will find a contemporary story in the same vein. The book ends on just the right note and readers can hope for more adventures with this mismatched pair. Like George and Martha and Frog and Toad, Skunk and Badger feel like literary friends with many pages of stories to tell."-- New York Journal of Books Amy Timberlake's novels for young readers have received an Edgar Award, a Golden Kite Award, the China Times Best Book Award, and the Newbery Honor for One Came Home. She grew up in Hudson, Wisconsin, but now calls Chicago home. She is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, and holds an MA in English and Creative Writing from the University of Illinois. You can find her walking on Chicago's Lakefront Trail on cool, crisp fall days. Jon Klassen is a Canadian-born author-illustrator. His books include I Want My Hat Back; This Is Not My Hat, winner of the Caldecott Medal; We Found A Hat; and The Skull. Jon is also the illustrator of Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and The Dark by Lemony Snicket, among many others. He is a member of the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to children's literature. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons. Find him online at imjonklassen.com.
