Ol' Mama Squirrel
By David Ezra Stein
The Story
A fiercely protective squirrel guards her babies with a determined chook-chook-chook, scaring off trouble again and again — until something much bigger wanders right onto her tree.
Why It's Special
For the kid who has a favorite fierce grown-up in their corner, Ol' Mama Squirrel is a loud, proud tribute to mamas who don't back down.
- Big idea: Bravery isn't about size — it's about refusing to let anything mess with your family.
- Vibes: Feisty, funny, and full of noisy repetition — a read-aloud that begs to be shouted.
Perfect For Kids Who
- love to shout the repeated sound effect
- enjoy stories about brave, protective parents
- are working on standing up to bigger problems
- respond well to repetition and buildup in a read-aloud
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What does Mama Squirrel do every time trouble comes near her babies?
- Imagination: Can you make your own 'chook, chook, chook' sound like Mama Squirrel?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Mama Squirrel felt when something really big showed up on her tree?
- Real-life connection: Who protects you the way Mama Squirrel protects her babies?
