Review by Kaitlyn Chan
Tundra Books, 2021
72 pages, Hardcover, $16.99 CAD, 9780735269576
Picture Book, Ages 6 to 9
Graphic Novel, Fiction, Comedy/Humour
- March toward the pizza box
- Open the box with grabber tool
- Grab a slice with grabber tool
- Hurry back up tree, eat slice
- Repeat steps until box is empty
Note to self: If it all falls flat, play dead!
Warning! Melanie Watt’s Scaredy Squirrel In a Nutshell may leave readers wanting more adventures with the hilariously nervous Scaredy. This graphic novel reintroduces one of Watt’s most successful characters, Scaredy Squirrel. In this book, Scaredy shares his many fears about the world outside his nut tree; there are woodpeckers, termites, and more to fear! Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell teaches readers that sometimes stepping out of their comfort zone can be beneficial.
Watt’s books often feature a well-developed sense of humour, even when dealing with serious topics. Her newest installment continues to navigate the realness of anxiety with a lighthearted approach. Scaredy, the protagonist of this story, is afraid of many things, and he does not like to leave home because of the possible dangers outside. Readers may relate to Scaredy and his anxieties about the world, even if some of his worries seem extreme. Watt introduces a bit of silliness by illustrating Scaredy’s fears—from aliens to lumberjacks—in a cartoonishly evil way with thought bubbles over their heads saying things like “must beam up tree” (quoted from said imaginary alien). She encourages approaching your fears with playfulness, suggesting doing so might make coping with—and possibly overcoming—them easier.
Much of Watt’s humour comes across in her fun, comical illustrations. Her drawings are simple and sometimes accompanied by arrows with captions to describe them. There is also a lot of diversity between the images on each page. Instead of a full spread depicting Scaredy in his tree, for example, Watt will have a page with a list of fears and the other page with Scaredy looking worried in his tree. Watt makes storytelling more dynamic by including add-ins like a close-up diagram of a dust bunny or Scaredy’s to-do list. Instead of telling a linear story, Watt breaks up the plot with these illustrations that seem like a collection of Sacredy’s personal files and lists. These insertions are relevant to the story and add to Scaredy’s character, displaying how his preparedness manifests.
Watt seems to recognize that Scaredy might be a relatable figure to readers and includes a positive moral for those who see themselves as the nervous protagonist. Scaredy learns that slowly stepping out of his comfort zone provides a positive experience. However, Watt also acknowledges that sometimes there are setbacks and that all your fears cannot disappear instantly. It takes time and small but consistent efforts to overcome those fears. Scaredy’s journey proves that if you are willing to try, you can find the strength to tame or conquer what might be holding you back.
Scaredy Squirrel In a Nutshell is a fun and easy read for most. Its lighthearted tone makes it an excellent vessel for an impactful message about offering yourself grace and time to overcome your fears. There are plenty of jokes in this book, but, at its core, there is a profound message about anxiety and how to find joy in spite of your fears.
Kaitlyn Chan is a current student at UBC, studying English Literature and Creative Writing. Fulfilling the typical stereotypes of English majors, Kaitlyn enjoys reading, writing, and tea. She spends her free time training for triathlons, singing songs in her bedroom, and trying not to buy more books.
YOUNG ADULTING 