“No!” Said Custard the Squirrel
by Sergio Ruzzier ; illus. by the author
Preschool     Abrams Appleseed    40 pp.     g
9/22     978-1-4197-5524-8     $15.99
e-book ed.  978-1-6470-0345-6    $14.39

Opening endpapers populated with buck-toothed squirrels feature one yellow creature with an orange beak dressed in a jaunty green cap and vest. The muddle begins there, and the story opens with a suspicious rodent attempting to question this yellow creature called “Custard the Squirrel” into submission with the diligence of a criminal attorney. “Custard the Squirrel, aren’t you a duck?” it asks, while showing a picture of a duck from a book to support this leading question. Custard faces further pointed inquiry about swimming, quacking, eating weeds, and laying eggs. Custard is a “no” for all of it while carrying on with its day—going for a sail, playing the organ, eating a gourmet feast, and reading a book about eggs—while the exasperated pursuer trails behind. Ultimately, Custard pauses to entertain one final question: “Custard the Squirrel, do you only answer ‘No’?” Custard, contrary and independent to the end, affirms, “Yes!” Delight ensues. The characteristically unexpected details and color choices featured in Ruzzier’s watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations pair perfectly with this story of individualism. The antagonistic question-and-answer format full of repetition and supportive visuals will provide reinforcement for beginning readers along with comedy, satisfaction, and even some opportunity for personal empowerment.

From the September/October 2022 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.