Join Aki in the treetops to discover the secret lives of squirrels, clever, curious, and endlessly busy. From gray and red to flying and ground, meet the many kinds of squirrels that leap, glide, dig, and chatter across forests and cities alike. Through playful rhyme and vibrant art, learn how these small creatures shape the world around them, planting trees, raising young, and adapting to a changing planet. Filled with fascinating facts and joyful energy, this book celebrates one of nature’s most spirited survivors.

Author and educator Neil Rosen is passionate about the transformative power of books on children and their families. He writes books that unite families and empower parents, caregivers, and children to impact their community positively. Neil's latest project, Can You Read Nature? encourages families to spend more intentional time outdoors to nurture future generations of environmental stewards.

Age-Appropriate Learning Guide

Ages 6–7:

Young readers will delight in the playful rhymes and lively illustrations that capture squirrels leaping, climbing, and chattering through the trees. They will learn the basics of how squirrels live, build nests, and gather food for the winter. With clear patterns, repetition, and expressive language, this level supports early reading fluency and helps children connect animal behavior to familiar environments like parks and backyards. The “Did You Know?” sections introduce fun and memorable facts, such as squirrels planting new trees by forgetting buried nuts.

Ages 7–9:

Readers in this group can explore how squirrels adapt to different habitats, from city parks to mountain forests. They’ll learn to identify tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels, and begin to understand ecological ideas such as food storage, communication, and animal adaptation. Vocabulary expands naturally through phrases like “patagium,” “drey,” and “landmark memory.” The book encourages observation skills, showing how scientists study squirrel habits to understand ecosystems and seasonal changes.

Ages 9–10:

Older readers can engage with the scientific and environmental layers of the story, connecting squirrel behavior to climate change, evolution, and forest ecology. They’ll see how small creatures influence large systems—spreading seeds, maintaining tree growth, and balancing ecosystems. This level invites discussion about human coexistence with wildlife and cultural storytelling traditions that honor squirrels’ intelligence and adaptability. The book serves as a bridge to critical thinking about environmental change, biodiversity, and interdependence among species.