I really just did not like this book. My main problem with it was the treatment of the different types of animals, especially since the term "race" was used to refer to the different types of squirrels. Few people would be ok with a children's book that states (and reaffirms through the plot) that one race of people was bad, devious, violent, and otherwise terrible, no exceptions, yet somehow it's acceptable when the characters are squirrels instead of humans? I was hoping this would turn out to be a story in which a character's prejudices are overturned by first-hand experience, but it's not. The main character has certain beliefs about gray squirrels, sea gulls, and rats that are, for the most part, confirmed throughout the course of the book. Even when individual rats and gulls help him or display one or two characteristics inconsistent with his original ideas about them, the overall impression of those animals still fits within his preconceived notions.

When you read this book, try substituting "human" for "squirrel" or replacing "gray" and "red" with "black" and "white" and then see how you feel about the lessons this story is teaching children. I generally like Jane Yolen, but I'm disappointed with this book.

Note: I received an ARC from the publisher. ( )