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Jerry the Squirrel: Volume One

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Jerry is a Squirrel. Jerry is also an inventor. The problem is that Jerry's inventions rarely work out the way he wants them to.
Join Jerry the Squirrel on his fun and whacky adventures in the world of Arestana as he deals with annoying neighbors, out of control slippers and a tyrannical Squirrel-boss whose only leadership quality is his amazing hat.
This collection of ten stories is perfect for some fun reading as a family, as bedtime stories, or just to sit back and enjoy a good read!
#bewarethechicken

94 pages, ebook

First published February 28, 2018

65 people are currently reading
55 people want to read

About the author

Shawn P.B. Robinson

28 books45 followers
Shawn P. B. Robinson hails from the Great White North, and he suspects his dislike of cold and snow is part of what drives him to immerse himself in other worlds. Whether he’s writing epic fantasy or middle-grade humor, he passionately pours his heart into his writing, seeking to create characters that we can all relate to and stories that engage the heart and soul.

In Shawn’s early 40s, he contracted a viral infection in his brain (encephalitis) which left him unable to work a normal job, but able to write when he has energy. In the midst of such loss, Shawn’s family, faith, and writing have brought joy to his heart and continue to motivate him.

Shawn continues to make his home in SW Ontario with his beautiful wife, two sons, and three goldfish.

To keep on top of what’s going on, sign up for Shawn’s newsletters here:
Middle-Grade Fiction Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2Vp51Dv
Fantasy Books Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/ridge

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Rosemary Standeven.
1,055 reviews58 followers
December 27, 2020
“Jerry was a Squirrel. Jerry was also an inventor... quite a good one, as a matter of fact. He could design and build just about anything. The problem was, Jerry's inventions rarely worked the way he wanted them to work.”

This is a lovely book for children and the young of heart. It is a collection of short episodes in Jerry’s life – each centred about one of his new inventions.
Jerry reminds me a lot of Wallace (of Wallace and Gromit) but with nuts instead of Wensleydale cheese. Like Wallace, Jerry invents machines to do jobs that could probably be done more efficiently (and more safely) by hand. Both are community minded, but in Jerry’s case, his fellow squirrels are very quick in demanding his new inventions (and in claiming credit for the inventions) when they can see that they could make their lives easier or more comfortable, but are very quick to complain if anything goes wrong – which it invariably does.
“Unfortunately, sometimes his inventions didn’t turn out the way he meant them to. The mistakes weren’t that bad. No one had died or anything, but it wasn’t unusual for Squirrels to lose fur, for houses to burn down, for everyone to be left covered in paint or for entire nations to have to leave their lands and settle somewhere else.”

But where Wallace’s inventions go wrong because someone else (Feathers McGraw, Preston etc) uses them for nefarious deeds, Jerry’s inventions have minds of their own, and a tendency towards psychopathy.
In the first episode, Jerry invents warm slippers on wheels that come when called (and take him where he wants to go), so he does not have to step onto a cold floor in the morning. Everyone wants a pair of these slippers, and Jerry has to work all night to create them. Come morning – instead of cheers of gratitude, there are screams of terror:
“Their slippers were going nuts! Not the food kind of nuts, but the other kind. They were out of control!

This is a bit like “The Wrong Trousers”, but the slippers are MUCH more sinister, and plotting a world take-over.
Jerry really needs a friend like Gromit or Shaun to help when the inventions go awry – instead he ends up with the sweet old lady, Sherry with her smelly lump of son, Gary. Oh, dear!
These tales are so much fun, and would make excellent cartoons. There are line drawings on a number of pages, but thankfully none of the really chaotic scenes – so you can really let your imagination run wild.
Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Rebecca L..
Author 4 books46 followers
January 31, 2019
Jerry the Squirrel  by Shawn P.B. Robinson is a cute, clever, and comical romp through a fantastical world where anything is possible. 

Jerry is a squirrel. He is also an inventor. Unfortunately, Jerry's inventions never seem to work out the way that he had planned! 

The great thing about indie books is that they make space for books that might not otherwise find a home with a traditional publisher. I really enjoy reading independently published books because sometimes you find a real gem. Jerry the Squirrel is just such a gem. I've never read anything quite like it before. The tongue-in-cheek humor and squirrel protagonists in a slightly off kilter fantasy world is like a delightful combination of Terry Prachett's Discworld series meets Watership Down. 

I had so much fun reading this book. Much of the humor reminded me of, Looney Toons,  one of my favorite cartoon shows from when I was child, . There were also moments that were delightfully tongue in cheek, if not outright ironic. There is a great deal in these stories to amuse both children and adults. 

The entire time I was reading about Jerry's exploits, I kept thinking how delighted I would have been with this book when I was a young girl. I spent my childhood years reading any animal book I could get my hands on and I was especially fond of Hank the Houndog  and Black Beauty. I have been known to rearrange my entire "to be read list," if there is the promise of a cute animal story. 

These stories would be great for parents and children to share together. An exuberant reader could really make these fun and whacky tales fly right off the page.  As I was reading, I couldn't help but picture the text as an animated cartoon.I'm certain young readers would really enjoy it. 

Jerry the Squirrel is that is not just silly. This book also has a great deal of heart in it as well. The reader will find themselves rooting for Jerry as he constantly does his best to help his squirrel friends. 

Jerry the Squirrel would be a great way to inspire reluctant middle grade readers. There is some humour in here that would definitely get a chuckle from elementary school age children. The adventures of Jerry the Squirrel would be an excellent way to teach young readers that reading can be fun! 

I have been doing a lot of heavy reading for work lately and this was exactly the break that I needed. I highly recommend Jerry the Squirrel to parents with children, young readers, and anyone who just wants a fun book with a lot of heart. 
160 reviews2 followers
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June 13, 2022
Laughed my bum off

These three stories were hilarious. Poor Jerry he couldn't get ahead if he invented it. His life runs close to my own. No matter how hard I try, it always seems to not make difference.
Profile Image for Julie Hanson.
30 reviews7 followers
June 21, 2019

Jerry the Squirrel loves inventing things. However, his inventions always wind up taking on a life of their own! First he invents slippers that will come when he calls them.... oh boy, did that get him into trouble! Then he invented a nut harvester that went wacko and his village was soon flooded with nuts. Then he invented a house heater for the winter months that wound up blowing fire and burnt off every bit of his hair. Next he rented his upstairs apartment to a little old lady squirrel who warms up cookies by sitting on them then offering them to friends. She had a burly son who was not only big but stinky and loud. He burped so loud that Jerry created another invention to block the noise. He also got himself ear plugs. Finally the village had a problem with nut beetles. With the help of the little old lady squirrel, Jerry and another of his inventions solved the problem, but Jerry was left in a ball of thorns. The author did a great job coming up with problems for Jerry to solve. Wondering what he would invent next and how it will go haywire will make you want to turn the page. I really enjoyed the book!


Profile Image for Merrilee Gibson.
122 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2019
This book, aimed primarily at children (of all ages), is a series of anecdotes about Jerry the Squirrel, a most inventive fellow. Jerry really does come up with the most MARVELOUS ideas--trouble is, his busy mind does not pause to considering the ramifications of what his creations may lead to. For example, warm slippers that automatically come at your beck and call to warm those chilly feet! But the slippers prove to be a few shades TOO clever. Well OK, how about an automated nut harvester? No? Well then, how about a giant heater to warm your home on those chilly winter days?

These stories are inspired silliness; they made this adult laugh. I expect they might have a similar effect for children. The only thing this book lacks is illustrations. The author needs to befriend an imaginative and whimsical artist to bring his creatures to us visually. Still, I do highly recommend this book, just because it is so much fun to read.

My thanks to author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing an advance copy to read and review.
Profile Image for Cynthia  Gutzwiller.
1,778 reviews24 followers
October 31, 2019
This is a fun read about an inventing squirrel. His inventions do not always work and that helps to make it such a cute story. This children's book has many short stories and I have picked out the first one to share with you. Killer Slippers Part 1
Jerry is lying in his bed deciding what he will invent today. His inventions do not always work the way he intends, but they work for some reason at least to make us laugh. He is thinking about the cold floor and what he would have to do to get his slippers off the floor by his desk. (I'll let you read that part. It is very funny.). Then he decided that must be his invention for the day. Slippers that will come to you when called. He was very tired of cold feet in the morning. You get the fun of listening/reading this wonderful book. Happy Reading!!d
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,502 reviews23 followers
July 13, 2019
I am not a child, nor do I have small children and I have never played one on TV. But I loved reading Jerry the Squirrel. You get a glimpse of Mr. Robinson's since of humor in his introduction page.
“Now, for those of you who like allegory or deeper meaning in books, please understand that this book is intended not to have deeper meaning or allegory. Feel free to search for it, but don't be disappointed if you come up with really insightful meanings for characters or experiences or places and at the end of the day....you're just wrong. Characters/places/etc. Do not represent anything else (even in the book). It's a fun book.”

This collection of ten short stories is perfect for family reading or for a slightly older child to read on their own. Mr. Robinson has a great imagination and sense of humor. I can see why his children enjoyed these stories. I received a complementary copy of this beautiful book from the author and Brainswell Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Angie Thompson.
Author 51 books1,115 followers
January 9, 2024
I freely admit, I'm not the intended audience for this one. I didn't actually think I was, but after enjoying the Annalynn the Canadian Spy series by the same author, I took a chance on another freebie. However, this one feels like exactly what it was--bedtime stories told by a dad to little boys--and the humor just didn't grab me like the Annalynn stories did, particularly all the "butt" references and, for lack of a better term, boy humor. It didn't really cross the line into inappropriate, but it's the kind of stuff that girls just kind of shake their head and roll their eyes when they hear boys giggling about it. Young boys would probably eat it up; I just couldn't get into it.
Profile Image for Charlie.
31 reviews
March 18, 2026
This book is a collection of tales about a squirrel who is an inventor. His inventions are genius but when tested rarely turn out as intended often leading to hilarious consequences within his squirrel village and sometimes even beyond the village.

The authors’ sense of humour reminds me of that found in the Amelia Bedelia stories and also that of Douglas Adam’s “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” series.

I loved this book! I laughed throughout and recommend it as both a bedtime read aloud for parents and their kids and for anyone else who enjoys funny short stories.

I will certainly be reading the next volumes in the Jerry the Squirrel series.
Profile Image for William Ford.
Author 3 books52 followers
June 18, 2019
Jerry the Squirrel is a series of short story's that will entertain children of all ages. The hero is Jerry a lovable crazy squirrel who invents weird and wonderful machines that are aimed to help his own everyday squirrel life but his jealous squirrel friends often wants the benefits for themselves. These inventions do not always go to plan leading to a number of mad escapades and laugh out loud moments. The author creates a fantastic squirrel world with funny characters and great plots. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
147 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2019
The book was laugh out loud funny in all the right places. Jerry loves inventing. If he seems distracted, don't worry, he always has his inventing cap on. Sadly, not one of his inventions turn out the way he wants them to, either because of other people or the inventions themselves. Some of them I thought were really good. But in the end, they usually lead to hilarious consequences. But it sure is a joyride for the readers. And I am waiting for the day I can order some of his creations myself.
Profile Image for Lori.
219 reviews16 followers
October 16, 2019
This is a wonderfully fun children’s book. It is easy to read. It is broken into shorter stories that follow some of Jerry’s life as an inventing squirrel. Jerry wants desperately to make life easier for himself and others. The author has made this full of humor that will delight young and old alike. There are several themes in these stories, such as: be creative, be careful of other’s motives, accidents happen – don’t hide from them, always be nice to others, don’t take credit if it is not yours, just to start with. I really enjoyed how the author made things simple with solutions.

Profile Image for Shannon Patterson.
929 reviews9 followers
November 5, 2019
Cute and Funny.

I read this story as a bedtime story with my son. The chapters are short and the story is funny and engaging for emergent readers. It's fun to see animals behaving like people. Jerry is an inventor but if you've ever tried to invent anything you'll know that things rarely turn out as planned.

I received a free copy of this book through BookSirens and am leaving a honest voluntary review.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,443 reviews9 followers
March 2, 2019
This book of short stories about Jerry the Squirrel and his madcap inventing escapades made me laugh and smile a lot. They are very daft, but very enjoyable too. I can definitely see why the author's children enjoyed them as bedtime stories, and my nieces enjoyed them as a calming break too. I'd definitely recommend this book for children of any age (including us big kids!), and I'm looking forward to reading volume 2.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
Profile Image for Pat Eroh.
2,621 reviews49 followers
May 13, 2019
Excellent children's story that this adult loved! I read the second book and then purchased this book even after receiving it as an ARC free from the author because it is that good. Wonderful story and wonderful characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mary.
171 reviews6 followers
October 24, 2019
Jerry the Squirrel likes to invent things, unfortunately, the inventions rarely work as planned. Jerry also annoys his neighbors but that doesn't stop the inventions.

This was a fun book and I looked forward to reading a chapter each night before bed. After a stressful day fighting software, Jerry provides hope for a better solution if I'm just willing to try something new.

This book is great fun for any age and I'm grateful to Book Sirens for providing a copy for me to read.
17.1k reviews173 followers
November 22, 2018
This is such a delightful read for people of all ages. Follow his adventures as he invents different items which all go wrong in a different way. It is such a funny read as you follow what happens

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for R. E. Henderson.
Author 8 books19 followers
November 8, 2018
Hilarious short stories of Jerry the Squirrel! Really enjoyable book!
356 reviews
July 21, 2019
the story is enjoyable for an adult to read to youngsters under 2nd grade riding level. Grade 3 and up will be able to read themselves. The story held my grandchildren interest, ages 4 and 6 .
Profile Image for MarylineD.
480 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2019
Easy short read. So adorable and cute. Totally for children. They will love that book!
I'm a grown up and enjoyed it.
Perfect for parents to read to their kids.
Profile Image for Alicia Unterreiner.
57 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2019
Cute lighthearted short stories.
Made me giggle.
Easy to read and a perfect read to share with the kids or grandkids.
Thanks Books go Social and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
2 reviews
January 27, 2020
This book is very funny and enjoyable to read. We enjoy reading books by this author as they are fun and easy to read. Perfect for young readers!
Profile Image for Kaitlynn.
260 reviews48 followers
February 12, 2020
I loved all the stories and charterers that were in Jerry the Squirrel. I can't wait to read the next two.
Profile Image for M. Boyle.
Author 7 books146 followers
October 13, 2023
Entertained the kids

I read Jerry the Squirrel as a read-aloud to my kids, ages 6-12. It really held their attention and evoked lots of laughter! It was very imaginative and light-hearted and read fairly quickly. I recommend it for early and middle grade readers, and especially as a family read-aloud so everyone can laugh together.
Profile Image for Shawn Robinson.
Author 28 books45 followers
March 18, 2018
I know I'm biased, but I love this book! it makes me laugh. :)
1,580 reviews25 followers
August 11, 2019
My name is Jerry, and I like to invent things. I'm actually pretty good at it, although my inventions don't always work exactly as I planned. I had a great idea once and created warm slippers that would listen to my commands and take me wherever I wanted. Unfortunately, the slippers got minds of their own and caused quite a disturbance with all the other squirrels. Another time, I invented a machine to pick nuts out of the trees. All of the other squirrels were very excited and thankful that I'd be saving them from their annual Fall work. However, the machine went a little haywire and had all of the squirrels running for their lives. All I want is for the other squirrels to like me, and I'm sure one of my creations will help. Someday.

I read this as an eBook from Net Galley. It's a collection of stories based on bedtime tales the author told to his children, and that's what you should expect. You won't find a novel with a compelling conflict that's full of action. Jerry usually wants to make life easier for himself and the other squirrels, but his inventions always go awry. In a couple of the stories, the inventions seem to develop minds of their own and revolt. The result of all the events is a humorous book that develops wacky images of a community of squirrels. Simple problems and inventive solutions result in squirrelly chaos. Uncontrollable slippers and an out-of-control nut collector are only two of Jerry's inventions. Overall, this book should appeal to mid-elementary readers, and they should not be disappointed. Readers enjoying this book will be able move on to Jerry the Squirrel: Volume Two or Jerry the Squirrel: The Novel. Give them a shot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews