Squirrel in the Museum

Illustrated by Steve Björkman
Pandemonium breaks out at the science museum when Twitch the squirrel tags along on a school trip in this hilarious chapter book.

When Twitch hears that the school children are taking a field trip to the science museum, he decides he wants to join in the fun, so he stows away on the school bus and hides in a backpack to get in. But as always, not everyone is glad to see a squirrel in their midst.

Pursued by security guards, Twitch turns the exhibits into his own private carnival ride, swinging on a Foucault pendulum, riding a model Mars Rover, and skittering across the Bernoulli air pressure table. Just when it seems like there's no escape, Twitch's chaotic romp turns up some surprises for the museum staff. . . and a friendly boy in a wheelchair saves the day for the squirrel, sneaking him back out.

With more than 50 energetic illustrations accompanying the short, hilarious chapters, Squirrel in the Museum is a perfect pick for young readers just starting to seek out longer texts--or a great read-aloud. For aspiring scientists, this book also includes an explanation of the scientific exhibits Twitch encounters--as told by the friendly science lab geckos.
Vivian Vande Velde is the author of more than twenty books for children and young adults. She has received an Edgar Award, five of her novels have been named Best Books for Young Adults by the ALA, and 8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel ÷ 1 Dog = Chaos was nominated for seven state awards. She lives in Rochester, New York.

Steve Björkman has illustrated many picture books, chapter books, and greeting cards. He illustrated both 8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel ÷ 1 Dog = Chaos and Squirrel in the House, the two earlier books about Twitch. He lives in Aliso Viejo, California.
"Infused with humor, the narrative offers the squirrel’s point of view, but in settings familiar to kids. Björkman’s lively ink drawings will bring smiles and even laughs. When a reader requests a short, funny chapter book, hope that this one’s on the shelf." Booklist

"For this third title in a series that began with 8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel ÷1 Dog = Chaos (2011), the author-illustrator pair have perfected their formula for entertainment—a limited perspective, slapstick humor, and nonstop action. . . . This field trip to remember will appeal to eager chapter-book readers, fans of talking-animal stories, and teachers looking for an engaging read-aloud."—Kirkus Reviews

"Twitch is an engaging character that should attract readers and they might even learn a little science as they follow his museum adventures." —School Library Connection

About

Pandemonium breaks out at the science museum when Twitch the squirrel tags along on a school trip in this hilarious chapter book.

When Twitch hears that the school children are taking a field trip to the science museum, he decides he wants to join in the fun, so he stows away on the school bus and hides in a backpack to get in. But as always, not everyone is glad to see a squirrel in their midst.

Pursued by security guards, Twitch turns the exhibits into his own private carnival ride, swinging on a Foucault pendulum, riding a model Mars Rover, and skittering across the Bernoulli air pressure table. Just when it seems like there's no escape, Twitch's chaotic romp turns up some surprises for the museum staff. . . and a friendly boy in a wheelchair saves the day for the squirrel, sneaking him back out.

With more than 50 energetic illustrations accompanying the short, hilarious chapters, Squirrel in the Museum is a perfect pick for young readers just starting to seek out longer texts--or a great read-aloud. For aspiring scientists, this book also includes an explanation of the scientific exhibits Twitch encounters--as told by the friendly science lab geckos.

Author

Vivian Vande Velde is the author of more than twenty books for children and young adults. She has received an Edgar Award, five of her novels have been named Best Books for Young Adults by the ALA, and 8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel ÷ 1 Dog = Chaos was nominated for seven state awards. She lives in Rochester, New York.

Steve Björkman has illustrated many picture books, chapter books, and greeting cards. He illustrated both 8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel ÷ 1 Dog = Chaos and Squirrel in the House, the two earlier books about Twitch. He lives in Aliso Viejo, California.

Praise

"Infused with humor, the narrative offers the squirrel’s point of view, but in settings familiar to kids. Björkman’s lively ink drawings will bring smiles and even laughs. When a reader requests a short, funny chapter book, hope that this one’s on the shelf." Booklist

"For this third title in a series that began with 8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel ÷1 Dog = Chaos (2011), the author-illustrator pair have perfected their formula for entertainment—a limited perspective, slapstick humor, and nonstop action. . . . This field trip to remember will appeal to eager chapter-book readers, fans of talking-animal stories, and teachers looking for an engaging read-aloud."—Kirkus Reviews

"Twitch is an engaging character that should attract readers and they might even learn a little science as they follow his museum adventures." —School Library Connection

Reading with Purpose Summit Event

On Monday, June 10th, Penguin Random House Education and DK Learning co-hosted a Reading with Purpose Summit Event in collaboration with Molly Ness, PhD. The event took place at Penguin Random House’s NYC headquarters and included sessions featuring leading education experts and a lunchtime author panel. The in-person professional learning event was built to show

Read more

2024 Elementary School Collection

The Penguin Random House Education Elementary School Collection features outstanding fiction, nonfiction, and picture books from Penguin Young Reader’s, Random House Children’s, DK, and Grupo Editorial, as well as children’s publishers distributed by Penguin Random House. Explore online or download this valuable resource to discover great books in specific topic areas such as: Leveled Readers,

Read more

DK Learning Phonic Books Sampler Request

Thank you for your interest in DK Learning | Phonic Books. To download the DK Learning | Phonic Books sampler with four complete readers, please click here and complete the form. Once your information is successfully submitted, a link to download the sampler will be provided on the confirmation screen.   Click here to learn

Read more

PRH Education Translanguaging Collections

Translanguaging is a communicative practice of bilinguals and multilinguals, that is, it is a practice whereby bilinguals and multilinguals use their entire linguistic repertoire to communicate and make meaning (García, 2009; García, Ibarra Johnson, & Seltzer, 2017)   It is through that lens that we have partnered with teacher educators and bilingual education experts, Drs.

Read more