Holiday Gift Guide: Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Christmas written and illustrated by Melanie Watt

The holidays are a veritable hotbed of hazards. As the publisher of Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Christmas (KidsCan) tells us, it’s the season for “worrying, planning, decorating, wrapping, entertaining, caroling and, worst of all, fruitcake!”

Fortunately, in order to help out with all the frightening possibilities, beloved Scaredy Squirrel has compiled a “Safety Guide for Scaredies” in what I believe is his sixth outing.

As usual, award-winning author illustrator Melanie Watt delivers a charming mix of tomfoolery and silliness. For instance, a list of 12 things to do before Christmas includes ironing your tuxedo (to look spiffy), weighing your piggy bank (to balance budget) and get annual eye exam (to keep focus.)

A few pages later, there is some slight instruction on what does and does not look festive. (Hint: acorns make good holiday decorations. But hot dogs? Not so much.)

Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Christmas is everything a Scaredy Squirrel book should be, with the added bonus of a seasonal tie-in. A terrific gift for the sacredy squirrel in your life! ◊

Monica Stark is a contributing editor to January Magazine. She currently makes her home on a liveaboard boat somewhere in the North Pacific.