Nuts to You

How far would you go for a friend? In Nuts to You, the funny and moving illustrated novel by Newbery Medalist Lynne Rae Perkins, two squirrels go very far indeed to save a friend who has been snatched up by a hawk. Nuts to You “begs to be read aloud . . . another completely original and exceptional package from Perkins,” said the Horn Book. Nuts to You features black-and-white art by the author on every page, as well as exclusive material original to this edition.

Jed, TsTs, and Chai are the very best of friends. So when Jed is snatched up by a hawk and carried away to another realm, TsTs and Chai resolve to go after him. Mysteriously, the hawk has dropped him. They saw it. Jed could be alive. New communities are discovered, new friends are made, huge danger is encountered (both man-made and of the fox and bobcat variety) and the mysteries of squirrel culture are revealed. Nuts to You is wholly original, funny, lively, and thought-provoking. Publishers Weekly said, “Readers . . . will relish the squirrels’ adventures, as well as Perkins’s laugh-aloud illustrations and equally witty footnotes.”

Includes an introduction, epilogue, and footnotes throughout, as well as original exclusive material from the author.

What happens when a rescue mission becomes a survival story of their own?

• A Thrilling Quest Adventure: Follow best friends TsTs and Chai as they brave unfamiliar forests, outsmart predators, and prove that no journey is too far to save a friend.
• Funny Talking Animals: With laugh-aloud illustrations and witty footnotes on every page, this is a story filled with quirky characters and squirrel-sized humor.
• Teamwork and Courage: When their world is threatened by man-made dangers, two separate squirrel communities must learn to work together to protect their homes.
• Heartwarming Found Family: From Jed discovering a new community of reddish squirrels to a lonely orphan named Tchke joining the quest, this is a moving tale about finding family where you least expect it.
• An Environmental Story for Kids: A gentle but powerful look at the impact of deforestation, showing young readers the importance of home, community, and the world we share.

The silhouette of a lone squirrel stood sharp against the pearly morning sky . . .

No, wait—how about this: Two squirrels trudged wearily along. They were already far from home. They were headed even farther. Darkness settled around them and made it hard to move. Still, they kept on.

That is so gloomy. Does it have to be so gloomy?

Okay, how about:
"Danger?" said the squirrel.
"Ha! I laugh at danger."

You didn't make that up. Someone else made that up.

Okay. You start it, then.

What's the story? It depends on who you ask.

“Thoughtful, and amusing . . . Hand this lively tale to both the nature-loving kids and the animal fantasy lovers.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“[An] entertaining story of friendship and adventure...funny and exuberant.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Perkins elucidates delightfully…This is a small story made larger by the ways readers can enjoy Perkins’s whimsical conception of squirrel civilization. Some deeper themes may prompt readers to question their interactions with the natural world.” - School Library Journal (starred review)

“A lovely and insightful creation.” - Booklist (starred review)

“[A] tall tale featuring three courageous squirrels. . . . Perkins’s twisting-turning narrative provides plenty of fun; along with their impulsiveness, her characters have warm hearts and generous spirits. Readers . . . will relish the squirrels’ adventures, as well as Perkins’s laugh-aloud illustrations and equally witty footnotes.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Safe, accessible and laced with gentle philosophizing, this has an edge of poetry that gives it colourful tone and texture.” - Toronto Star

“Perkins uses language like the best toy ever. …The book begs to be read aloud, except that you’d miss the wacky digressions, the goofy footnotes, and the black-and-white illustrations with their built-in micro-plots. Another completely original and exceptional package from Perkins.” - Horn Book (starred review)

“The gripping tale of . . . squirrels who embrace adventure in order to rescue one of their own. . . . Generously illustrated with the author’s black-and-white drawings, this is a lively story filled with humour and surprising bits of wisdom.” - Montreal Gazette

“An amazing adventure story full of humor, desperation and hope, executed perfectly. . . . A perfect read for kids 5 to 15.” - Newsday/Kidsday