Squirrel's Sweater

by Laura Renauld, Jennie Poh

The adventures of the Woodland Friends from Porcupine's Pie continue in this cozy wintertime story about learning to adapt to change. As Winter Warmup approaches, all but one of the woodland friends are bundled up for the snowy season ahead. Bear, Porcupine, and Doe are all ready to hunker down for winter, but not Squirrel. When she discovers that the sweater her grandma knit for her has shrunk, she doesn't know what to do! No amount of stretching or sewing or help from her friends seems to fix her favorite sweater. But perhaps it doesn't need to stay a sweater to remind her of her grandma and her friends? The colorful gang of woodland friends from Porcupine's Pie and Bear's Bicycle return to help Squirrel as she learns to navigate and accept change. A final spread features an activity that teaches young readers how to transform their own piece of clothing into something new.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 21, 2021

Reviews

[Becky Scharnhorst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet and tender book about friendship, compassion, and keeping memories alive. When Squirrel outgrows her special sweater, she turns to her friends for help. Though her friends offer compassion and creative solutions, it’s ultimately Squirrel who finds a way to repurpose her sweater and bring warmth to her heart. Both of my children had special items of clothing they were sad to outgrow, so I imagine many children will be able to relate to Squirrel’s dilemma. I love that the author included a memory pillow activity in the back so kids can repurpose their own clothing. A great choice for home, classroom, or library storytimes!

[Cynthia Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squirrel is getting ready for winter warm up, and needs to find her beloved sweater. She’s surprised to find it doesn’t fit so she goes to her animal friends to get help. A few of the things I love about the book: the sensory details from the smell of fresh pine to the chilly winter air, the way that Squirrel's emotions are shown so authentically, the way Squirrel just knows her animal friends can be relied upon for help, and the pillow craft project in the back matter. This is a delightful book to celebrate the fall/winter seasons and the value of friendship, which is woven in throughout the book. It also gives comfort to those who’ve lost a loved one. The multiple layers of this book make for great re-readability. It is part of the Woodland Friends series. Published by Beaming Books.

[Debra Shumaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in the Woodland Friends series is heartwarming. As Winter Warmup approaches, Squirrel realizes her favorite sweater no longer fits. Doe, Bear, and Porcupine all try to help fix her sweater with mixed results. When Squirrel shares with Porcupine that Granny Gray knit her the sweater and she hoped it would always fit, Porcupine reminds her that Granny Gray lives in her heart. In the end, Squirrel finds a way to honor Granny and her friends with the sweater. A sweet story on friendship, loss, and grief with beautiful illustrations.

[Claire Noland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squirrel is ready for winter until he realizes that his sweater is too small. His belly will be cold! And, this sweater is special because it was knitted for him by his Granny. Fortunately, his friends want to help but unfortunately, their ideas just don’t quite work. Using the gifts given by friends, Squirrel transforms his sweater into something that honors the memories of Granny and the love of his friends in this precious picture book. The tender illustrations are snug and warm. This heart-filled story of woodland animals is a perfect read-aloud.

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's almost time for the winter party, and Squirrel can't wait to wear the sweater Grandma knitted. Uh Oh! Either Squirrel has grown or the sweater has shrunk. Squirrel's friends come to the rescue and help celebrate old memories and new friends.

My favorite moment in this cute winter story was when Squirrel paused to feel sad about the fact that Grandma was gone and then got ready to build new stories. The craft project at the end was simple but effective. This would be a fun classroom read.

[Carol Doeringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squirrel outgrows a sweater that she treasures because it was knit by her granny. Friends’ efforts to make the sweater fit fail, but Squirrel finds a way to turn it into a new precious possession that keeps Granny’s memories close to her heart. This is a terrific book for any kid attached to a special item of clothing, a stuffy, or any special item that’s losing its fit, shape, or is falling apart. The story weaves friendship, compassion, and creativity into a new way of looking at treasured objects.

[Christina Dendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's better than a squirrel with a to-do list? One with a problem to solve! This gentle woodland story follows Squirrel as she she hurries to get ready for the Winter Warmup and discovers that her favorite sweater, knit by Granny, no longer fits. Squirrels reaches out to her woodland friends for help, and finds an unusual but satisfying solution of her own. There's an empowering maker angle and delightful maker activity to boot!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story about a very special sweater that squirrel wants to wear to the animal's winter celebration. When squirrel discovers the sweater is too small, the other animals offer help. None of the options work and squirrel shares why this sweater is so special. His grandmother made it for him before she died. He finds a way to keep the memories and the sweater by transforming it.
Lovely message for families coping with loss.

[Sandra Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heart-warming story about love and friendship. Squirrel's Sweater is a perfect book to curl up with on a chilly day. When squirrel realizes her sweater no longer fits she is off to find a solution. Thanks to some inspiration from her friends she came up with the perfect item - and you can create it too with the instructions at the end of the book!

[Stephanie Wildman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter Warm-up approaches for squirrel, doe, bear, and porcupine. Squirrel wants to wear a favorite sweater, but it no longer fits. With help from friends in this well-paced story, squirrel learns a lesson about love and keeping the heart warm. Backmatter tells young readers how to craft their own memory pillow (with adult supervision).

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squirrel's grandmother knitted her favorite winter sweater but when the cold weather rolls around and the sweater no longer fits, squirrel turns to her friends for help fixing her sweater and remembering her Grandmother. A beautiful story of friendship, honoring loved ones, and growing up.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is just as delightful as I expected after reading Porcupine's Pie. My daughter asked me to reread it several times. Lovely illustrations, the cute concept of Winter Warmup, and adorable characters.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy picture book is darling! And I’d love to know… was the sweater possibly too small because Squirrel had been doing some extra eating? (Sometimes my sweaters also “shrink” - especially in the winter!) Love the memory pillow concept and craft directions following the story, too!

[Tracey Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is charming and clever, with a really good ending. The illustrations are adorable and they give the story a peaceful feel......like a new snowfall in winter. It's going to be on my gift list for the littles this Christmas.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
We all have that one piece of clothing that ties us to someone we love, or a time in our past long gone and that piece of clothing no longer fits. Squirrel, with the help of friends, finds a way to hold on to the memories and the sweater.

[Pat Danna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something different..not a Christmas book but Winter Warmup! How clever! A great read-alound about a squirrel whose sweater is too small and asks all his woodland animals for help! Also, a book that teaches about friendship. Delightful illustrations.

[TK421 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story of loss, love, memory, friendship, and the power of overcoming grief through the realization of new opportunity.

[Papae Wymore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet book will have you reminiscing about treasures from loved ones with your children! My grandaughter who is three loved the story and illustrations!

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and has craft directions in back

[emyrose8 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story, adorable illustrations.

[DiAnne Warfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holt-Delhi PJ story time 03-23-2022
Aurelius Preschool story time 03-23-2022

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful story about a too small sweater transformed into a heart felt remembrance of a loved one and friends. Illustrations are just right amount of cuteness. Craft instructions included.

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too cute! Loved it!

[bridget cortez · Rating 5 out of 5]

My infant grand baby likes pictures of squirrels and likes it when you read to her.

[Roxanne Troup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this whole series. So sweet.

[Tweller83 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4/20/25: Another nice story about friendship and outgrowing things and remembering things past. I liked the craft at the end. These are nice additions.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute but holy cow wish I knew before hand there was grandma squirrel death mentioned in this. I wasn't ready.