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Skunked!

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By DeeDee

Skunked!
(Calpurnia Tate: Girl Vet #1)
by Jacqueline Kelly
Henry Holt and Co. 2016. Intermediate. 105 p.
When Travis, Calpurnia's animal-loving brother, finds an orphaned baby skunk, he just can't leave it to die in the forest. He brings it home and hides it in the barn, hoping to raise it as a pet. Calpurnia thinks he is crazy, but has a soft spot for her kindhearted brother. Mayhem and much smelliness ensue as they try to care for the skunk (and later, skunks, plural), without their parents finding out. This chapter book has received some starred reviews, and with good reason.  It is a short, simple story, with funny scenes and child-friendly illustrations. The sweet sibling relationship that permeates the whole is an added bonus. This is a great choice for kids who like the Akimbo and Tales from Deckawoo Drive series.
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