Spend a day amongst the squirrels in this award-winning nonfiction picture book from celebrated author April Pulley Sayre and Caldecott Honor illustrator Steve Jenkins—now featuring updated end matter with even more illuminating info about these amazing creatures.

Squirrels wrestle.
Squirrels leap.
Squirrels climb.
Squirrels sleep!

If you followed a squirrel for a day, what would you see? Climbing branches, storing seeds, making homes in tree holes, and maybe even flying! Discover different kinds of squirrels as they scamper, eat, and—finally—sleep.

Acclaimed nature writer April Pulley Sayre’s lyrical text, paired with newly remastered collage illustrations by Steve Jenkins, offer a glimpse into this fascinating world.

About The Author

Photograph by Jeff Sayre

April Pulley Sayre

April Pulley Sayre (1966–2021) was the award-winning author of more than fifty-five natural science books for children and adults, including her award-winning photo-illustrated books Being Frog, Raindrops Roll, and Best in Snow. Sayre’s books received an abundance of starred reviews, have been dubbed ALA Notable Books (Raindrops Roll; Rah, Rah, Radishes) and won a Geisel Honor (Vulture View). Learn more at AprilSayre.com.

About The Illustrator

Photograph by Robin Page

Steve Jenkins

Steven Jenkins (1952–2021) was the illustrator of many celebrated children’s books including Can an Aardvark Bark? and Fourteen Monkeys by Melissa Stewart; Hello, Baby! by Mem Fox; Mama Built a Little Nest and Mama Dug a Little Den by Jennifer Ward; and the 2003 Caldecott Honor recipient, What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?, which he created with his wife, Robin Page. Learn more about his life and work at SteveJenkinsBooks.com.

Product Details

Publisher: Beach Lane Books (November 4, 2025)
Length: 40 pages
ISBN13: 9781665980524
Ages: 4 - 8

Raves and Reviews

Young readers will find a lively introduction to one of nature’s most energetic creatures in Squirrels Leap, Squirrels Sleep . . . First published in 2016 . . . Jenkins’s newly remastered cut-and-torn-paper collages bring texture and an earthy warmth to the pages. The compositions feel active and varied, matching the energy of Sayre’s clipped verse. Updated back matter includes practical tips (like planting trees, the “best bird and squirrel houses and feeders”) and a list of sources and suggestions for further reading. Squirrels Leap, Squirrels Sleep succeeds as an accessible and engaging primer on one of the most familiar backyard creatures, and teachers, librarians, and young naturalists alike will find it a charming celebration of the squirrel’s world. With playful rhyme and textured illustrations, this updated reissue makes the familiar lives of squirrels fascinating for children.

– Shelf Awareness, 12/26/25