"Young squirrel Earl is helped by his human friend, Jill, who gives him an acorn and a nutcracker. Earl's mother fears that her son is too dependent on his friend. But Earl uses another gift, a red scarf, to prove he can make his own way in the world...Myers' narration and natural background sounds perfectly complement Freeman's wry tale and black-and-white scratchboard illustrations...Well-managed vocal changes for all characters." –Booklist