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Bird & Squirrel #2
Bird & Squirrel On Ice: A Graphic Novel
Bird and Squirrel are back and ready for adventure!
After Bird and Squirrel crash land in the South Pole during a raging blizzard, a penguin named Sakari thinks Bird has come to rid her village of a hungry Killer Whale. But when Squirrel finds out that Bird will actually be fed to the Killer Whale as a sacrifice, they hatch a crazy plan to escape. With good timing, a little luck, and help from Sakari, they just might make it out alive. Or they might end up as whale food!
After Bird and Squirrel crash land in the South Pole during a raging blizzard, a penguin named Sakari thinks Bird has come to rid her village of a hungry Killer Whale. But when Squirrel finds out that Bird will actually be fed to the Killer Whale as a sacrifice, they hatch a crazy plan to escape. With good timing, a little luck, and help from Sakari, they just might make it out alive. Or they might end up as whale food!
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2014
155 people are currently reading
832 people want to read
About the author
James Burks
47 books173 followersI've worked as an artist in the animation industry for companies like Disney, Warner Brothers, and Nickelodeon. Projects I've worked on include the Emperor's New Groove, Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Space Jam, the Iron Giant and the television shows, Wow Wow Wubbzy, Ni-hao Kai-lan, the Dinosaur Train and most recently on Cartoon Network's PowerPuff Girls.
I also write and illustrate my own books including the Graphix graphic novel series Bird and Squirrel, and Agent 9.
I also write and illustrate my own books including the Graphix graphic novel series Bird and Squirrel, and Agent 9.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
December 23, 2020
Bird & Squirrel are at the South Pole. Instead of a big cat, they have a big whale to overcome. The penguin village is in an endless cycle of providing fish for the whale. They decide Bird is the Chosen One who is meant to save the village. Bird is not worried. Squirrel is. He enlists the help of Sakari, the daughter of the chief penguin to devise a plan that will save both Bird and the village. I did not like this one quite as much as the first Bird & Squirrel, but still want to read more of the series.
September 26, 2019
Every new Bird & Squirrel book that I get to read is like a breath of fresh air! I love this dynamic duo and can’t seem to get enough of them! I enjoyed this story just as much as the others, loved meeting Sakari and her penguin family and was inspired by the team effort that came through in the end!
Another win for James Burks as far as content AND illustrations! 5 stars!
Another win for James Burks as far as content AND illustrations! 5 stars!
March 7, 2023
3.75⭐️
March 22, 2017
Supremely confident bird and ever-terrified squirrel crash into a mountain and land in a penguin village where they are told that bird is their foretold savior. Cute adventure. Lots of humor.
March 13, 2017
Staff Pick
Bird & Squirrel get lost and find themselves at the South Pole. They find a village of penguins who believe that Bird is the chosen one who will save them from the whale who takes most of their food. Will the Bird who never has a plan be able to save the day?
Bird & Squirrel get lost and find themselves at the South Pole. They find a village of penguins who believe that Bird is the chosen one who will save them from the whale who takes most of their food. Will the Bird who never has a plan be able to save the day?
July 27, 2014
And Featuring Dorothy Lamour as the Penquin
For those of you ancient enough to remember the old Bob Hope and Bing Crosby "Road To ..." movies, here's a book that honors that old buddy comedy formula in a fresh and amusing fashion. You get the quips and silliness of Bob Hope/Bird and the more grown up deadpan of Bing Crosby/Squirrel, and they even get to be rescued from a complicated tight fix by the smart and resourceful heroine, Dorothy Lamour/Sakari.
Just like those old movies, and every road comedy since, this book works on many levels. There is broad humor, some snappy dialogue, some wry throwaway lines, and lots of good natured kidding of our oblivious hero and his nervous sidekick. To keep it all going there is a plot of sorts that actually builds to a satisfying conclusion and a rewarding ending. This strikes me as a great read to, (or early reader for a confident youngster), and the tone is consistent, and reliably good humored. If you like messages, well this tale turns on friendship, courage, resourcefulness and duty, with a side of fishcakes and snocones, so you even have that going for you.
The drawings deserve particular mention. There are some big pieces that set the scenes, and they are detailed, sharp, colorful and clear. There is action without extraneous business. The drawings always capture and express the mood of the narrative and the forward movement of the story. And, considering these are animal figures, there is tremendous personality drawn into each panel and the individual characters shine through.
It's pretty rare to get a book like this - with engaging characters, a coherent story, drawings that advance the story, and deep good humor - and it struck me as a very good find.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
For those of you ancient enough to remember the old Bob Hope and Bing Crosby "Road To ..." movies, here's a book that honors that old buddy comedy formula in a fresh and amusing fashion. You get the quips and silliness of Bob Hope/Bird and the more grown up deadpan of Bing Crosby/Squirrel, and they even get to be rescued from a complicated tight fix by the smart and resourceful heroine, Dorothy Lamour/Sakari.
Just like those old movies, and every road comedy since, this book works on many levels. There is broad humor, some snappy dialogue, some wry throwaway lines, and lots of good natured kidding of our oblivious hero and his nervous sidekick. To keep it all going there is a plot of sorts that actually builds to a satisfying conclusion and a rewarding ending. This strikes me as a great read to, (or early reader for a confident youngster), and the tone is consistent, and reliably good humored. If you like messages, well this tale turns on friendship, courage, resourcefulness and duty, with a side of fishcakes and snocones, so you even have that going for you.
The drawings deserve particular mention. There are some big pieces that set the scenes, and they are detailed, sharp, colorful and clear. There is action without extraneous business. The drawings always capture and express the mood of the narrative and the forward movement of the story. And, considering these are animal figures, there is tremendous personality drawn into each panel and the individual characters shine through.
It's pretty rare to get a book like this - with engaging characters, a coherent story, drawings that advance the story, and deep good humor - and it struck me as a very good find.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
April 10, 2015
Bird and Squirrel are back for their second adventure. This time they are traveling by the South Pole when they unceremoniously come to the aid of Sakari, a penguin, and her village who are being terrorized by a whale demanding all their fish. Near starving, the tribe trick Bird into believing that he is the prophesized one who will defeat the whale, while all along they plan to sacrifice him to save themselves. Squirrel and Sakari must devise a plan to save their friend and rid the village of the whale.
This humorous graphic novel will appeal to children in the 8-12 year old range. The outlandish, larger than life Bird is balanced by the seriousness of the village’s situation making the tension palpable as the day of reckoning with the whale arrives. It has all the benchmarks for an excellent graphic novel that kids will like and parents and teachers will approve of for its strong story, colorful illustrations, and just plain fun! I would recommend this book for purchase to any school or public library looking to build a high-interest graphic novel collection that younger students can enjoy without worry.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
This humorous graphic novel will appeal to children in the 8-12 year old range. The outlandish, larger than life Bird is balanced by the seriousness of the village’s situation making the tension palpable as the day of reckoning with the whale arrives. It has all the benchmarks for an excellent graphic novel that kids will like and parents and teachers will approve of for its strong story, colorful illustrations, and just plain fun! I would recommend this book for purchase to any school or public library looking to build a high-interest graphic novel collection that younger students can enjoy without worry.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
October 23, 2014
Bird & Squirrel on Ice by James Burks is a followup to the hilarious Bird & Squirrel on the Run. This time the duo have crash landed at the South Pole and must find a way to avoid becoming Killer Whale food.[return][return]The Bird & Squirrel series provides a great entry into graphic novels for young readers. The easy-to-follow panels and the crisp, colorful artwork will engage beginning readers. The well-developed characters and humorous story will also appeal to children. [return][return]Although Scholastic doesn’t provide a Graphix Comic Builder specifically for this series, children would enjoy building their own comics using the characters from some of the other Graphix series. Go to http://www.scholastic.com/graphix/ to learn more.[return][return]To read more about author James Burks, explore his website at http://jamesburks.com/.
November 18, 2017
My son brought this home from his school library and I decided to read through it quick. It's a cute graphic novel. The artwork is very cartoony, full of bright colors, and well done. The story was also well done and full of positive messages.
The humor is a bit over the top for me, but it's the type of humor a 10 year old boy would love. Lots of slapstick and puns, that sort of thing. I think this is a graphic novel series kids are going to enjoy more than adults. That being said, I actually did enjoy it and think it was cute. If my son brings home more of these I will probably read them.
Overall this was a fun and quick graphic novel read that has adventure and humor in it. I think kids will enjoy it more than adults, but it is well enough done that I ended up enjoying it. This would be a fun graphic novel for kids and adults to read together.
October 15, 2014
Oddball best friends Bird and Squirrel land in the Arctic where Bird is mistaken for the "Chosen One" by a tribe of penguins. While Bird busies himself with his celebrity status, Squirrel learns that Bird will soon have to face off against the penguin tribe's most fearsome enemy, the great whale. Squirrel tries to warn Bird, but he mistakes the warning for jealousy and nearly gets himself eaten by the beast before a plan is put in place by Squirrel and the daughter of the penguin tribe's chief.
Good drama, much like an episode of a cartoon series. The action is fast-paced, the characters are fun, and the clever conclusion all combine for a stellar series which I hope produces several more books.
Recommended for grades 3-5.
Good drama, much like an episode of a cartoon series. The action is fast-paced, the characters are fun, and the clever conclusion all combine for a stellar series which I hope produces several more books.
Recommended for grades 3-5.
June 14, 2015
Bird and Squirrel on Ice Book Review This series is adorable. Everything I want in a children's graphic novel. The pictures are stunning and the color is inviting. It's simple to read and funny as well. James Burk is probably my favorite graphic novel writer so far. Definitely want more by him.
Squirrell and Bird continue their adventures. This time they run into an avalanche and find a group of penguins and a new friend, Sakari. But there's an enemy too, the great big whale. Will they be able to defeat him?
Recommending to kids looking for a fun graphic novel.
Squirrell and Bird continue their adventures. This time they run into an avalanche and find a group of penguins and a new friend, Sakari. But there's an enemy too, the great big whale. Will they be able to defeat him?
Recommending to kids looking for a fun graphic novel.
August 13, 2014
Received a copy from NetGalley.
Bird and Squirrel on Ice is a rambunctious story in graphic format about two buddies with opposite personalities who crash land in the Antarctic where a tribe of penguins is anxiously awaiting the hero who will save them from the oppressive orca. It seems Bird is that hero. Or is he? In the end idealism and real heroism wins out over calculated pragmatics (Would you have it any other way?) and the two protagonists have perhaps grown a bit and are ready for their next adventure. So am I!
Bird and Squirrel on Ice is a rambunctious story in graphic format about two buddies with opposite personalities who crash land in the Antarctic where a tribe of penguins is anxiously awaiting the hero who will save them from the oppressive orca. It seems Bird is that hero. Or is he? In the end idealism and real heroism wins out over calculated pragmatics (Would you have it any other way?) and the two protagonists have perhaps grown a bit and are ready for their next adventure. So am I!
October 31, 2014
Bird's never-fail sense of direction lands the pair in the Arctic, where Bird is hailed as the "chosen one" come to save the penguins from the tyranny of the great whale. His head immediately begins to swell so big that it takes his devil-may-care attitude to new heights. Heights so great that he can't see the predicament he's in. But fortunately, his buddy Squirrel is skittish enough for two. There is plenty of humor and hijinks, but this one has a bit of a soft, squishy center too. Definitely a feel good read.
September 12, 2016
Love Bird & Squirrel. Great art & colors as usual.
On Ice was sweet and special for introducing a new kick-ass girl penguin on this adventure.
Looking forward to seeing more cute adventures!
Would recommend to kids!
On Ice was sweet and special for introducing a new kick-ass girl penguin on this adventure.
Looking forward to seeing more cute adventures!
Would recommend to kids!
December 29, 2016
Again, a very funny read with an awesome adventure. This one has an unexpected twist too. I couldn't put it down.
May 9, 2017
I really liked this book.
May 30, 2017
Love the relationship between Bird and Squirrel.
September 24, 2017
I love how Squirrel is forced out of his comfort zones and it makes him grow as a person. Er, squirrel?
Also still hilarious. This should be a TV show!
Also still hilarious. This should be a TV show!
June 14, 2018
That book was fun. It was the first book of Bird & Squirrel that I read. I recommend it.
Read
December 27, 2018cool
December 31, 2018
It was great!
March 16, 2019
Loved it!!
July 15, 2020
Theodore is really hot on this new series. A tale of 2 friends. He read all in one day and was very proud of himself.
July 18, 2020
Another One
Yet again these two fun little characters go through a new series of trials and tribulations on their way to a deeper friendship Brovo!
Yet again these two fun little characters go through a new series of trials and tribulations on their way to a deeper friendship Brovo!
September 27, 2023
Really funny at the start of the book they
face planted into a mountain
face planted into a mountain
Read
November 1, 2017Summary:
The main characters, Bird and Squirrel are traveling by the South Pole but before they make it there, blizzard makes them land somewhere else. There, they run into Sakari, the penguin who happens to be the daughter of the village chief. Sakari and her village are being attacked by a killer whale who is demanding the penguins to give her all their fish. The confident Bird and scared Squirrel have to find a way to help the penguins. Sakari believes that Bird was the one called to save the village and defeat the whale. So Bird believes what they tell him about being able to defeat the whale and being chosen to be a hero, when in reality he did not know he was about to become the whale’s food. When they finally figure out that the whale is going to eat Bird, Sakari and the Squirrel will have to come up with a plan to save their friend Bird. At the end, they come up with a way to trick the whale and save the Bird from being whale food.
Activity:
1. Who are the main characters of the book? Where and when does the story take place?
2. What are the important events happening in the story?
3. How did Sakari convince Bird that he was the one chosen to save the village?
4. What did Squirrel and Sakari have to do in order to save Bird?
5. Can you write about a time that you’ve helped a friend out when they were in trouble?
Citation:
Burks, J. (2014). Bird & Squirrel on ice. New York, NY: Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic.
The main characters, Bird and Squirrel are traveling by the South Pole but before they make it there, blizzard makes them land somewhere else. There, they run into Sakari, the penguin who happens to be the daughter of the village chief. Sakari and her village are being attacked by a killer whale who is demanding the penguins to give her all their fish. The confident Bird and scared Squirrel have to find a way to help the penguins. Sakari believes that Bird was the one called to save the village and defeat the whale. So Bird believes what they tell him about being able to defeat the whale and being chosen to be a hero, when in reality he did not know he was about to become the whale’s food. When they finally figure out that the whale is going to eat Bird, Sakari and the Squirrel will have to come up with a plan to save their friend Bird. At the end, they come up with a way to trick the whale and save the Bird from being whale food.
Activity:
1. Who are the main characters of the book? Where and when does the story take place?
2. What are the important events happening in the story?
3. How did Sakari convince Bird that he was the one chosen to save the village?
4. What did Squirrel and Sakari have to do in order to save Bird?
5. Can you write about a time that you’ve helped a friend out when they were in trouble?
Citation:
Burks, J. (2014). Bird & Squirrel on ice. New York, NY: Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic.
October 26, 2014
The overly optimistic Bird, and fearfully pessimistic Squirrel face off against a killer whale in their brand new adventure. Bird's penchant for embellishing tales, not to mention his own abilities, is going to get him killed when the two fall upon a village of beleaguered penguins. It is up to Squirrel, having been observant, and their new friend Sakari, who has a much more sensible personality, to come the rescue. This latest graphic novel comes off a little more serious than the last. The harsh lifestyle of the penguins is based on the reality of northern peoples who have the specific skills required to survive. It is Bird and Squirrel who are ill-equiped and need their help. On the other hand, the cartoonish look counters this, especially in the funny movements and expressions of the characters. Without this visual exaggeration, many of the recycled jokes would become dull very quickly. Thanks to it though, the pace remains lively and the quips are well received.
February 24, 2016
I got the copy from NetGalley on behalf of Scholastic Inc. in exchange for an honest review
I love this book! Even the story probably not new,but I enjoyed the artwork so much. Sakari was so cute and her braveness could inspired the young readers. Convo of Bird with his self-centered and over confidence and Squirrel with his cowardiness but loyal, also interesting to followed. Some convo's could brought me smile. This book is worth to collect!
I love this book! Even the story probably not new,but I enjoyed the artwork so much. Sakari was so cute and her braveness could inspired the young readers. Convo of Bird with his self-centered and over confidence and Squirrel with his cowardiness but loyal, also interesting to followed. Some convo's could brought me smile. This book is worth to collect!
January 28, 2015
The unlikely, but highly entertaining, duo of Bird and Squirrel are back for an adventure at the South Pole. They meet some penguins whose existence is threatened by the presence of a killer whale. If Bird & Squirrel can't figure out how to help the penguins, they will become the whale's next meal.
I love everything about this graphic novel: the characters, the illustrations, the story-line. Students will also enjoy the antics of this crazy pair.
I love everything about this graphic novel: the characters, the illustrations, the story-line. Students will also enjoy the antics of this crazy pair.
October 17, 2015
Burks has really hit his stride with this second Bird & Squirrel graphic novel! You have the same amusing interplay between impulsive, easygoing Bird and neurotic worrier Squirrel, plus a more complex plot that takes the reader through the whole book. The artwork remains as bright and kid-friendly as ever. Recommended for kids who like animal characters, unlikely friends, and really, just most graphic novel readers in elementary school.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews