Toaff's Way Hardcover – 7 August 2018

Toaff is a gray squirrel who lives in a hollow pine tree with his family and friends. There are loads of stores and all is right with his world. That is until the night of the big storm when he awakes the next day cold and alone and finds his safe nest has been blown over.This story follows Toaff through the seasons as he sets out alone to build a new life for himself. He uses the skills he’s learned from his elders to forage, escape danger and build a new home. He’s surrounded by danger from enemies of squirrels like the neighboring dogs, owls, Churrchurrs and of course the nest of humans that live on the nearby farm.He also meets friends like the red squirrel named Nilf who helps him to be a better squirrel and question some of the tall tales his elders told the youngsters back in the nest. There are many drawings scattered throughout the book to help hold the attention of even the youngest reader (or listener).This is a lovely story filled with adventure and humor that is sure to be a favorite with the kids ages 7 – 12.

I'm reading this, one chapter at a time, to my three kids (4, 7, and 9) for fun and the two older ones are enjoying it as am I. I actually find myself laughing out loud here and there as I'm reading it. It's a very cute, well written story. It's a little immature for the kid who can read this on their own, it's a decently sized chapter book. But it's perfect for reading out loud to your kids, of a variety of ages. My kids especially are animal loves, we even tried raising a baby squirrel once, so this book has been enjoyable because of that.The story itself entails Toaff setting out on his own to establish a new life for himself. Along the way he encounters challenges and makes friends. We're not completely finished with it yet, as we're going a chapter at a time, but I can tell we will finish it as we are all enjoying this one together. Well...my 4 year old not so much, but he's still a little young for the longer chapter books. Definitely recommended! It's a cute adventure.

A cute story, very well-written. I'm surprised at the reviews from people with children. If anything, I thought it was a bit sophisticated for young children. It didn't seem simplistic to me! Then again, I don't have children. It reminded me of those business books written as adult fables.I chose the book because I am a big fan of Cynthia Voigt's YA novels. Frankly, I think her talents are wasted here! She has so much insight into young people, and a challenge for writing about difficult situations they find themselves in. Here she's anthropomorphizing the animal kingdom, which can be a bit of a stretch in the case of squirrels. I hope she goes back to the human world.

We ordered a group of books that my granddaughter did not finish reading. Either because the subject matter was too touchy for her. She lost her mother and her brother, or it was too old for her, or in her words, she found them too boring. As she goes back and revisits some of these titles, we will update her review.

Wonderful story, a little long for my 3rd greater to read on her own, but fun to read together as a family. Didn't hold my 6 year olds attention, but he prefers books with lots of pictures still.