Spring Cleaning

by Dori Chaconas, Lisa McCue (Illustrations)

Cork is a short muskrat who knows how to wait, and Fuzz is a tall possum who doesn’t like to wait for anything. When a round, yellow object floats through the sky, both Cork and Fuzz chase after it. Is it the sun? Is it an egg? Wait a minute—did it just pop? A funny, charming, easy-to-read story about the adventures of two best friends who go together perfectly—differences and all.

Genres: Childrens, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 10, 2015

About the author

Dori Chaconas learned story pacing from an early age while entertaining her younger siblings. The author of such picture books as On a Wintry Morning, One Little Mouse, and Momma, Will You?, she lives in Germantown, Wisconsin.

Reviews

[Oxalis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This early reader is part of a series on Cork and Fuzz, a muskrat and opossum. Judging by this book, I have to assume the entire series is similar to that of Frog and Toad. Cork tries to initiate spring cleaning, but Fuzz is not interested. The two characters learn that they can still be best friends even if they aren't interested in doing the same thing at the same time. The illustrations are not really to my taste, but I do love muskrats and opossums, and seeing these often maligned animals portrayed as positive characters in kids books is a step in the right direction.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cork and Fuzz are best friends despite being complete opposites. Cork says it is time for spring cleaning, and Fuzz is very disinterested. Fuzz is not very helpful in the cleaning department... until he wants to take a nap! A good addition to the Cork and Fuzz series.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story of a friendship between a muskrat and a possum. They are different but still best friends.

[Juliana Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cork and Fuzz are best friends who are very different. Cork likes to clean. Fuzz does not. When Winter as over, Cork wanted to do some Spring Cleaning. Fuzz did not. Cork made Fuzz get out of bed, but he could not make him clean. Cork went into the garbage can to pick out a stale bag of potato chips. When he got back the yard was clean. He was surprised that Fuzz would clean. But he couldn’t find Fuzz anywhere. Fuzz was sleeping in the pile of sticks and leaves. He did not realize he had cleaned the yard. He had only made himself a place to sleep. Cork and Fuzz sat in the pile of stick and leaves eating stale potato chips and planning on making a club with only fun rules like eating chips. http://julianaleewriter.com/the-cybil...

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very reminiscent of the dynamic between Frog and Toad, but Chaconas makes it fun.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It makes my four-year-old laugh out loud. Love it.