Skunk and Badger have settled into their new normal. Skunk’s culinary skills are much appreciated and Badger has moved his important rock work to the attic, in order not to be disturbed. It doesn’t last long.

Skunk is upset. Sunday is coming and he can’t face it. Every Sunday, even after moving to live with Badger, the book review section has been stolen from his New Yak Times Newspaper. He knows who is doing it and eventually finds the reviews, read, scrumpled and tossed aside, but he can’t face it even one more Sunday!

He suggests a trip. A rock finding expedition! After all, Badger is missing an important rock from his collection. Badger too knows who has taken this important item from him, but has no way of getting it back.

Off they go, with packs full to busting and Skunk trudge, trudge, trudging along under the epic weight of his. An agate is what Badger needs, and he knows his favourite campsite is near possible treasures. Skunk’s chicken friend Agatha arrives and they seem to have a secret between them. Badger can’t stand not knowing and when he discovers it, his precious lost agate and its replacement are forgotten.

Egg marks the spot! A treasure so huge for the scientific world, Badger is Egnotized! But again, the very creature that stole his agate is not far behind – a truly evil, greedy and dangerous cousin!

With the wisdom of their small chicken friend, loyalty to each other and courage they never thought they had, Skunk and Badger face the incredible, the improbable and the fantastical feat of getting home safe and sound. With new friends and two new house-mates, not only does Badger fill his empty space on his rock shelves, he solves the problem that sent them on their rock finding mission in the first place!

I love the odd couple vibe between these two animal housemate friends. Skunk, even when frightened is the eternal optimist, and Badger is steadfast and sensible. Still, both learn more about the other in their adventure away from home, and their bond grows even stronger under dire circumstances.

Actions and sounds are portrayed in the book, making it easy to imagine the quirky movements of Agatha the chicken or hear an annoying knock, creak of impending doom or jingle of tiny bells. Jon Klassen has caught these character’s personalities perfectly in his illustrations and a double page colour spread in the centre of the book is a treat. Looking forward to another story in the lives of these quirky friends.

Author – Amy Timberlake

Illustrator – Jon Klassen

Age – 8+

(2021, Allen & Unwin, Friendships, Action, Adventure, Caves, Cousin, Ruthless, Danger, Courage, Chicken, Evolution, Fossil, Egg, Rats, Bear, Animals, Rocks, Minerals, Cooking, Food, Series, Bully)