Squirrelly Gray

by James Kochalka

SQUIRRELLY GRAY LIVES in a world without color. His TV is the only fun he has. (And it's really not much fun.)

But tonight is an unusual night for the young squirrel. First he meets the Tooth Fairy, who is very nice. And then he meets the Hungry Fox, who is not so nice. So turn off that TV, Squirrelly Gray - the fun is just beginning!

Mixing playful verse with comics-inspired illustration, James Kochalka has created a unique picture book and an imaginative fable that will have kids rooting for the always adorable, sometimes courageous Squirrelly Gray.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Comics, Comic Book

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 28, 2007

About the author

James Kochalka is an American comic book artist and writer, and rock musician. His comics are noted for their blending of the real and the surreal. Largely autobiographical, Kochalka's cartoon expression of the world around him includes such real-life characters as his wife, children, cat, friends and colleagues, but always filtered through his own observations and flights of whimsy. In March 2011 he will be declared the cartoonist laureate of Vermont, serving a term of two years.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bored little squirrel saves the world! Fun book with great art! James Kochalka has done some really fun stuff; I really do recommend that you take a look at his work. This book will appeal to both children and adults who like cartoons that make you think. You will find a deeper meaning here should you decide to look for it.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

So apparently I’m not only on a graphic novel/picture book kick, I’m on a James Kochalka one as well. But what can I say? He writes and illustrates amazing books that are meant for kids but appeal just as much to adults.

Little Squirrelly Gray’s story is no different. He lives in his tree and is bored out of his mind because he only has a TV to keep him occupied. His life is dull, drab, and simply put, gray. One day he decides to try and humor himself by wiggling his teeth. He wiggles them so much they pop out, so he does the logical thing and waits for the tooth fairy to come and pick the teeth up. To him, this will surely be the event that makes his life a little more exciting.

Well, he’s right. The poor Tooth Fairy gets herself in a predicament on her way to Squirrelly Gray’s, and he has to save her. Because of his bravery, the Tooth Fairy rewards Squirrely Gray with a very special acorn. The story goes on from there with Squirrelly changing his life and the world around him. Pretty big stuff for a little squirrel and an acorn!

Unlike Kochalka’s other books, this one is a true picture book and is written in short rhyme. But like his other books, this one has vivid and simple illustrations that convey the message without getting too cluttered or complicated. Kochalka proves you can tell a wonderfully rich story with very little fluff. Except for Squirrely Gray, of course… he’s a little fluffly.

Taken from my blog: http://libchickreads.wordpress.com/

[Dov Zeller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm officially hooked on James Kochalka. As is my five year old neighbor. Thumbs up from both of us for Squirrelly Gray. It's cute, silly, funny, a touch irreverent, a little absurd, and I would even say it falls into the realm of creation myth type tales. I'm pretty sure it couldn't be more charming and ends with the words "tee hee." Tee hee.

[Junio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a little squirrel who watches the static on TV because he has nothing better to do, and then he finds himself in a little adventure that changes his life.

This book is the first Children's book by esteemed indie comic creator James Kochalka. I think it's great because it teaches children as well as uninitiated parents how to read a comic. The left page is reserved for text by a omniscient narrator, while the right page is reserved for a comic illustrating what the narration just said, including speech bubbles. So the text reinforces your understanding of the comic, and vice versa.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once upon a time the world was gray, boring, and it rained all the time. Then young Squirrelly Gray lost his two front teeth and saved the tooth fairy. For his reward, Squirrelly gets a magic acorn--but how will he open it without his teeth? Enter a hungry fox.....and I can't tell the rest; but you should read it, that would be best! This is an engaging book, told in rhyme, illustrated in sunday comics style (big panels, some dialog). A cracking good read (tee-hee)!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

From indie comic writer James Kochalka, alternating rhyming prose with comic strip on facing page, featuring Squirrely Gray, Tooth Fairy, Hungry Fox, and Magic Acorn. A great addition to the pouquoi genre. Go Squirrely!

[Michael Rudzki · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Kochalka is always delightful, whether he's writing for kids or adults.

[Emilia P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been waiting far too long to read this.
Very James K.-y, with not quite on point rhymes and really fun pictures that didn't quite match the story as it was written. Very much a kid's book and very much Kochalka just goofing off at the same time. It would be cool to be his kid! Fun to read walking down the downtown businessy streets of Minneapolis.

[Jamie Felton · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much as I love his artwork, James Kochalka's book for kids is a little bit too weird to be a kid's book. But it's also a little bit too silly to be an adult's book. It falls somewhere in between and feels awkward to read because of this.

[Caleb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh.

Review here:

http://everydayislikewednesday.blogsp...

[Wes Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big Kochalka fan by now and this book features his trademark art and text, coupled with a poetic, moral-centric story. It's a total little kid's book, but I liked it.

[Magila · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

I do have to admit I enjoyed the end.