The Secret Life of the Flying Squirrel

Illustrated by Kate Garchinsky
Look inside
Follow a year in the life of Volans, a flying squirrel, as she glides in the night air to hunt for food, deftly avoids danger from a raccoon, and gives birth to three tiny pups before preparing once again for the coming winter.

Emerging at night from a cozy nest high in a tree, Volans the flying squirrel glides down. Although called a “flying” squirrel, she actually doesn’t fly—she glides using fur-covered flaps. Her instincts lead her to her hidden cache of food. She is also looking for a roomier hiding place because she is ready to give birth. When her pups are born she stays close to home, giving them milk and keeping them safe from predators until they can venture out on their own. Filled with intriguing facts and gorgeous illustrations, readers will be fascinated by the story of these remarkable rodents. This latest title in the Secret Life series has been vetted by a flying squirrel expert and includes back matter with more in-depth information, a glossary, and further resources.
Laurence Pringle has written more than one hundred books for children and teenagers, many of them award-winning science titles. Internationally, his books have sold more than three million copies. He and his family live in West Nyack, New York. Visit laurencepringle.com. View titles by Laurence Pringle
Kate Garchinsky illustrates children's books and educational media in her studio in the woodlands west of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Kate is a fellowship recipient of the Don and Virginia Eckelberry Endowment for nature artists at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Prior to creating children's books, Kate designed toys, apps, birdbaths, and trail maps. She lives with her husband Brian, Julia and Spencer the cats, and her one-eyed beagle, Maggie May. Get to know her more at kategarchinsky.com. View titles by Kate Garchinsky
“In this seventh in Pringle’s notable Secret Life series, readers follow Volans, a southern flying squirrel: gliding, foraging, finding a suitable den, raising three tiny babies, and storing food for winter. Garchinsky’s digital paintings bring this beguiling glider to life… an intriguing introduction to a nocturnal and secretive forest dweller.”—Kirkus Reviews

About

Follow a year in the life of Volans, a flying squirrel, as she glides in the night air to hunt for food, deftly avoids danger from a raccoon, and gives birth to three tiny pups before preparing once again for the coming winter.

Emerging at night from a cozy nest high in a tree, Volans the flying squirrel glides down. Although called a “flying” squirrel, she actually doesn’t fly—she glides using fur-covered flaps. Her instincts lead her to her hidden cache of food. She is also looking for a roomier hiding place because she is ready to give birth. When her pups are born she stays close to home, giving them milk and keeping them safe from predators until they can venture out on their own. Filled with intriguing facts and gorgeous illustrations, readers will be fascinated by the story of these remarkable rodents. This latest title in the Secret Life series has been vetted by a flying squirrel expert and includes back matter with more in-depth information, a glossary, and further resources.

Author

Laurence Pringle has written more than one hundred books for children and teenagers, many of them award-winning science titles. Internationally, his books have sold more than three million copies. He and his family live in West Nyack, New York. Visit laurencepringle.com. View titles by Laurence Pringle
Kate Garchinsky illustrates children's books and educational media in her studio in the woodlands west of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Kate is a fellowship recipient of the Don and Virginia Eckelberry Endowment for nature artists at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Prior to creating children's books, Kate designed toys, apps, birdbaths, and trail maps. She lives with her husband Brian, Julia and Spencer the cats, and her one-eyed beagle, Maggie May. Get to know her more at kategarchinsky.com. View titles by Kate Garchinsky

Praise

“In this seventh in Pringle’s notable Secret Life series, readers follow Volans, a southern flying squirrel: gliding, foraging, finding a suitable den, raising three tiny babies, and storing food for winter. Garchinsky’s digital paintings bring this beguiling glider to life… an intriguing introduction to a nocturnal and secretive forest dweller.”—Kirkus Reviews

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