First published 2019
Travis discovers a tiny abandoned squirrel and decides to rescue it. He carries the helpless creature home and gives it the name Fluffy. The Tate family lives in Texas at the turn of the century, where keeping wild animals as pets creates complications. Mother questions whether Fluffy belongs in their household. Thud the family cat sees the newcomer as either prey or competition. Fluffy must navigate these dangers while trying to find his place among the Tates. The story follows Callie Vee and her family as they deal with this unexpected addition. Travis wants to protect his new friend, but the adults have practical concerns about wildlife in the house. Thud stalks Fluffy with feline instincts that spell trouble. The small squirrel faces an uncertain future as the family debates his fate. This chapter book captures the challenges of caring for wild creatures and the bonds that form between children and animals.
Genres: fiction, family, animals, family-life, 20th-century, 19th-century, childrens, chapter-books
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Texas
Period: Turn of the Century
112 pages · Hardcover · Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)