Bird & Squirrel On Fire: A Graphic Novel

Bird & Squirrel #4

by James Burks

Bird and Squirrel are finally home, but the adventure isn't over yet!

It's been a long, crazy trip around the world. Now the duo is back in their beloved forest, and Bird wants to throw a party! But Squirrel isn't in the mood to celebrate. His house needs a good cleaning, the river has been dammed up by a pesky beaver, and the forest animals are jittery about a growing menace. Will the dam dry out the forest? Will the mysterious new danger ruin the party? Will Bird finally convince Squirrel to let go and just have a good time? Find out in their hilarious new adventure!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Childrens, Graphic Novels Comics, Humor, Juvenile, Comics

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2017

About the author

I'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.

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spending time with Bird & Squirrel is a bit like hanging out with Tigger & Eeyore. Their colorings even match up. Bird is enthusiastic with a thirst for adventure (except after a blow to the head in Book 3) and Squirrel is a cautious homebody who wears an acorn on his head at all times for safety. In this 4th episode of the series, Bird & Squirrel are back from their travels after encountering many dangerous predators like cats, snakes, and wolves. Can Squirrel enjoy his home once again? What about that new chipmunk named Red? Will she be a nuisance? Bird wants to throw a party. Will it be too much mess and bother for Squirrel? Then there is the water problem. Beaver has built a huge dam and blocked the river that all the forest creatures depend on for water. There is a lot going on in this episode, but never fear. All will be well.

[CarterboieoP2]

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good good 420

[Theresa Grissom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Bird & Squirrel! Incredibly cute books. Have a huge waiting list in my library for this already. Keep 'em coming James Burks!

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not as funny, but then lessons are more real. And Birdie is so cute! Had me worried at the end but then everything was OK.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these so much. SO MUCH. Best yet in the series.
The true friendship between bird and squirrel (supportive, willing to call the other out when wrong), the way the characters are evolving (Squirrel hopping into danger because he thought someone was hurt), the jokes and humor that are never mean, the FEELS, the well-drawn panels, etc etc etc.

Just, it made me happy.

[Nancy Kotkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've read a Bird and Squirrel graphic novel and I had forgotten how funny and endearing these characters are. Squirrel experiences some real growth in this fourth book of this series. The ending is a big leap forward in time, but it's sweet and satisfying. The full-color art is bright and the story is fast-paced; throw in the humorous dialogue and you've got kid appeal galore.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm obsessed with this friendship. Bird and Squirrel are freaking awesome.

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a new favorite Bird and Squirrel. I may have laughed out loud. On every page.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my 9-year old son. He was disappointed I didn't start reading it with voices, like the other three (which I forgot I did.) But other than that, he loved it. I enjoyed it as well. His other complaint was that Squirrel freaked out too much and for too long when (spoiler alert!) his house caught fire. I, personally, enjoyed that part because it was parallel to epic freak outs thrown down by children in my house. Mr. James Burks, thank you for that. I'm sure my son did not recognize the similarities, but I did.
The characters are alive and as rich as ever; reading aloud with voices is hard not to do. I enjoyed the hidden life lessons in this book. It makes me wonder if this is a final installment. It seemed conclusive. It felt longer than the previous ones. We could not read it in one sitting, but it wasn't overdone.
I'd highly recommend this book as well as the previous three. It has it all; friendships, humor, impossible situations, resolutions, eye-catching illustrations, and lessons learned.
I love how Mr. Burks adds fun details; like that blue and red make a special kind of purple.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This last installment of the Bird and Squirrel series finds the duo back in the forest with Squirrel eager to return to his safe home and life. They meet a new Squirrel, Red, who seems to have designs on Squirrel. Bird plans a party to Squirrel’s dismay. But soon troubles begin when they find their water supply has been dammed up by a mean Beaver. They are briefly held captive by menacing rats. And a forest fire threatens to destroy them all. Needless to say, all ends well and Squirrel discovers that the best things in life aren’t “things” and sometimes it’s okay to just have fun. The duo’s snappy banter and their humorous dilemmas will delight young readers. Fans of the series and graphic novel enthusiasts will relish this colorful and engaging title.

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bird and Squirrel have finally made it home! We are introduced to Red, a feisty female squirrel, along with a whole new set of obstacles for our favorite best buddy duo to overcome.
I read this book with my 5 year old daughter, and I fully admit there were a few tears shed near the end of the story; a superb ending! This series of graphic novels is fantastic!

[Emily Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I taught a special summer course on GN's when James Burks was writing this story 2 summers ago. He was kind enough to Skype with my class for free! We were so excited for this book to come out, but GN take time and I didn't realize how many pages this would turn out to be! It is a great installment in the story and adds some new characters. It kind of felt like he was wrapping up the series, but as I searched to add this book I see there is a #5, yay!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son is in grade 2 and LOVES this series. He put the latest one on pre-order and it arrived today. He just read all 189 pages and it did not disappoint one bit. He just told me that if he could give it 10 stars, he would :) Highly recommended!

[Brooke Knuppenburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story because it was a fast read! The story continues to develop, and makes you not want to put it down. From the beginning, you can tell it will only get crazier. The images and small text blurbs make it such a unique read for kids!

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gah! Really tugged on my heart strings! Maybe that's why I like this series so much. It is silly, yes, but also has depth.

[D.T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! That doesn't give you a lot to work with for a review, so I guess you will have to read it for yourself. :)

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love! Bird & Squirrel rock. Just added this series to my library, can't keep them on the shelves. Like Elephant & Piggie for big kids.

[emyrose8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad this series is at an end! This book amps up the tension by introducing a love interest (hehehe!) and having an ultimate disaster... there was a huge twist at the end!!! (I kind of saw it coming, but at the same time, I didn't). It was good.

[Ro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huh pretty good!

[Heidi Kuipers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovered this book recently at our local library. Sat down and read it with my almost 7 and almost 5 year olds tonight. We ended up reading all 190 pages... can't wait to read another...

[Rachel Coyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series. A great odd couple buddy adventure story. Excellent illustration

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graphic Novel
Younger readers will enjoy the continuing friendship and adventures for these two characters plus the friends they meet in each book.
This time Squirrel meets a fellow squirrel and they take on the rats and a beaver who blocks the river.

[Brett C]

I recommend this series

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series. My kids and I are loving it, and I appreciate it's getting my very reluctant reader interested in books.

[Allison Renner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought some new graphic novels for the school library, and I always like to read them first if possible. I read these before school started and am so excited for the students to read them! I think the 1st-3rd graders will love them, but even the older students will like them for a laugh.

[Beezoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WISH THERE WERE MORE OF THESE BOOKS!!! SO SAD!!! :(

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one of my very favorites. It has helped immensely to get striving readers excited about books. Incredible work, James Burks!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

When readers connect with characters, for whatever reason, it's a bond which lasts a lifetime. They will want to read the stories in which these characters find themselves over and over. Each time they are read it's as if it's the first time but the experience is far richer for those characters have become friends. This is the huge attraction of sequels, trilogies and books in a series.

If the characters are part of a dynamic duo and happen to be as different as night and day, they become even more attractive to us. It's the contrast in their personalities which makes for a realistic tension and continual comedy. In the fourth volume of his highly popular and beloved series Bird & Squirrel On The Run!, Bird & Squirrel On Ice, and Bird & Squirrel On The Edge! author illustrator James Burks delivers more adventure and laughter than ever in Bird & Squirrel On Fire (Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic, January 31, 2017).

My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...

[Dionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was surprisingly cute

[Phobean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you or did you watch Nickelodeon cartoons? This graphic novel is for you! Silly and rambunctious with two zany best friends who are just trying to stay out of trouble ... or ARE they? Character development, pacing and plot are all consistent and well composed, if a bit conventional.

My favorite aspect of this surprisingly long story is the character design —the two squirrels with the not-quite attached tails, the beaver and his inanimate log friend, Bird’s goggles. Also, I appreciated the author’s knack for skillful simplicity and a strong sense of voice —you could tell who any of these characters are if the book is read aloud, they’re all very distinct.

One of my least favorite aspects is the unimaginative approach to gender (really? A butt-kicking red headed female squirrel? How surprising. Oh. Two plucky male buddies who save the day. Never seen that before.) Particularly when the red squirrel seems to end up in the kitchen at the end of the book, and is home raising a baby squirrel. Is that really what we want to teach the young boys and girls reading these books?

The production value of this book needs to be mentioned as well. WOW. Super high quality, shiny paper. I’ve read a LOT of graphic novels and rarely are they printed in such a full color, expensive way. It raises my eyebrows —what’s with all the money spent on this rather average book?

So, really, 3.5 stars. A fine book, could be better but hey, sometimes fluff is what you want and need.