Skunk and Badger by Timberlake, Amy

A Best Book of 2020: People * Kirkus Reviews * Booklist * School Library Journal * Publishers Weekly * Shelf Awareness for Readers * New York Public Library * Chicago Public Library * Evanston Public Library

This acclaimed and bestselling best book of the year is a delightful animal-odd-couple story by Newbery Honoree Amy Timberlake with pictures from Caldecott medalist Jon Klassen.

No one wants a skunk. They are unwelcome on front stoops. They should not linger in Important Rock Rooms. Skunks should never, ever be allowed to move in. But Skunk is Badger's new roommate, and there is nothing Badger can do about it.

When Skunk plows into Badger's life, everything Badger knows is upended. Tails are flipped. The wrong animal is sprayed. And why-oh-why are there so many chickens?

Newbery Honor author Amy Timberlake spins the first tale in a series about two opposites who need to be friends. New York Times bestselling author-illustrator and Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen completes the book with his signature lushly textured art. This beautifully produced paperback edition contains both full-color plates and numerous black-and-white illustrations. Skunk and Badger is a book you'll want to read, reread, and read out loud . . . again and again.

Skunk and Badger return in:
Egg Marks the Spot
Rock Paper Incisors (Coming October 2025)

Author: Amy Timberlake
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 05/06/2025
Pages: 144
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.30lbs
Size: 7.90h x 5.90w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781523524044
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.2
Point Value: 3
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 509525 / Skunk and Badger

About the Author
Amy Timberlake's novels for young readers have received an Edgar Award, a Golden Kite Award, the China Times Best Book Award, and the Newbery Honor for One Came Home. She grew up in Hudson, Wisconsin, but now calls Chicago home. She is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, and holds an MA in English and Creative Writing from the University of Illinois. You can find her walking on Chicago's Lakefront Trail on cool, crisp fall days.
Jon Klassen is a Canadian-born author-illustrator. His books include I Want My Hat Back; This Is Not My Hat, winner of the Caldecott Medal; We Found A Hat; and The Skull. Jon is also the illustrator of Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and The Dark by Lemony Snicket, among many others. He is a member of the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to children's literature. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons. Find him online at imjonklassen.com.