Egg Marks the Spot

Starred review from August 1, 2021
Odd-couple pals Skunk and Badger return. When a former neighbor threatens to resume his weekly theft of Skunk's New Yak Times Book Review, Skunk convinces Badger to undertake a rock-finding expedition in order to assuage the pain of a Book Review-less Sunday. "You cannot leave a hole at the beginning of your Wall of Rocks," observes Skunk. Indeed, Badger's Wall of Rocks--organized alphabetically--does not have the letter A rock. Blame it on Badger's treasure-hunting cousin, Fisher, who stole Badger's Spider Eye Agate long ago. The trip begins well enough: a walk alongside Endless Lake and into the woods where a waterfall fits the bill for Important Rock Work. "X MARKS THE SPOT!" yells Skunk. Then Fisher shows up, mocking Badger's Important Rock Scientist research. When Skunk and Badger learn of a cave with a dinosaur egg embedded in a wall of amber, the duo must thwart Fisher's attempts to steal the egg from its chicken protectors. Leaning heavily on its delightfully whimsical qualities, Book 2 of Timberlake and Klassen's endearing series also boasts a whole lot of heart, perhaps even more so than its predecessor. Even as its often fantastical premise careens over the edge (and thrillingly so), the series' titular duo keep it grounded thanks to Timberlake's clear admiration for these characters and their quirks. Klassen's artwork, meanwhile, continues to awe with its wistfulness. As wonderful as Important Rock Work. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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Starred review from September 1, 2021
Grades 2-4 *Starred Review* For their second adventure, friends Skunk and Badger are off on a rock-hunting expedition with a twofold purpose: first, distract Skunk from the inevitable theft of the book-review section of his Sunday New Yak Times; and, second, help Badger find a new agate for his rock collection. While Badger is an old pro when it comes to hiking and camping, Skunk has never even been in the woods, which sets up plenty of opportunities for hilarity. Once at Campsite #5, they encounter good friend Augusta--a teacup-sized orange chicken--and Badger's bullying cousin, Fisher. When Badger notices Augusta and Skunk holding whispered conversations and then going off together, he decides to follow them, ultimately ending up in a hidden cave that holds a gigantic dinosaur egg preserved in amber. Augusta reveals that chickens have been watching over this egg for generations, and it is now in danger. Enter Cousin Fisher, treasure-stealer extraordinaire. Timberlake creates an irresistible mix of high stakes, laugh-out-loud moments, and truly unexpected plot twists as the friends work together to fend off Cousin Fisher, making for an unforgettable expedition. Klassen's chapter illustrations--black-and-white drawings and earth-toned paintings--further heighten the story's charm and humor. All told, it's a wonderful read. And that New Yak Times Book Review problem? It brings a new friend whom readers will hope to see in future adventures.

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