Format: E-ARC
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Number of Pages: 160
Publishing: September 15th, 2021
Source: Edelweiss +
Opening Lines: "RAP-RAP. RAP-RAP-RAP. The knocking sounded on the attic door, the door of Badger's new rock room."
In this sequel to Skunk and Badger, Badger is once again hard at work with Important Rock Work when Skunk interrupts him to ask for money to get them a subscription to the Sunday New Yak Times. The paper houses Skunk's favorite section, the Book Review, something he hasn't been able to read in awhile because Mr. G. Hedgehog has been confiscating his paper all for himself, thinking it was a previous arrangement they'd made. To avoid having his paper taken yet again, Skunk suggests they go on a rock finding expedition, a little camping, picnicking and stargazing is just what they need. Badger sees their trip as a chance to replace his Spider Eye Agate, which was stolen by his treasure hungry cousin, Fisher. So the two pack their backpacks and head out to Badger's favorite campsite at Endless Lake. However, once at the lake they have a run in with Fisher, who is searching for valuable treasure and he vows that nothing will get in his way.
I read the first book in this series back in September of last year and wasn't surprised to learn that it had won many awards. It's such a deserving book. It's been described as Winnie the Pooh meets Wind in the Willows, and it really does have these qualities. Egg Marks the Spot involves these two unlikely friends who go off on a camping adventure and along the way discover that friendship is more valuable than most other things in life. You can't help thinking of the Odd Couple when reading these books. Badger is kind of curmudgeonly, while Skunk is as energetic as ever. The differences in their personalities is amusing, but I love how they end up finding a lot of commonalities and respect each other as individuals. The whole scene of Skunk trudge, trudge, trudging up that hill with his big yellow backpack makes this a book to treasure. I also enjoyed how we're learning about Skunks life in the city prior to moving in with Badger and Badger's declaration to Fisher at the end about keeping his friends. Despite a little quirkiness involving a Jurassic period find and the conflict that arises, this has two adorable characters and lovely messaging with a focus on being kind. Although my E-ARC didn't have all the finished artwork, what was included was gorgeous, similar in style to the cover. I hope there will be many more adventures for Skunk and Badger. ** Thank you to Edelweiss+ and Algonquin Young Readers for my E-ARC. **
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