Evolution Revolution: Simple Machines
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- $1.99
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- $1.99
Publisher Description
In a quiet wood, a common gray squirrel is going to start a war. It begins when a boy befriends and names him Jack, then teaches him words-and how to use simple machines like the wheel. Jack shares what he's learned with Sister but she's more interested in a meadow squirrel. When construction machines invade the wood, Jack wants to save his tree and nest. He wants stop them. He asks Owl, the old Mother of the forest, to call a Gathering. The animals panic when he tells them he wants to fight the machines to save the wood. He shows the animals how to roll stones and makes a plan. Fox and Rat are suspicious, and do not want to help--until Jack reminds Fox that his den is closest to the machines. Almost all the animals, Fox, Beaver, Rat, Bird, Buck, and even Sister, agree to Jack's plan. Together they work to destroy the machines, but don't finish. They try again--and while they are successful, the humans become very interested in Jack. The animals may win the battle, but not win the war.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
When construction machines threaten his woodland home, an inquisitive squirrel named Jack rallies his fellow animals to defend their land. Having learned about the concept of wheels from an ailing human boy named Collin (who also gave Jack his name), the squirrel concocts a plan to trap the vehicles by blocking their wheels with logs and boulders, as well as gnawing through wires; when this fails, the animals adopt more aggressive tactics. The writing can be overloaded with adverbs and adjectives (" Enough!!!' screeched Owl piercingly, flapping her strong wings"), but readers will enjoy the banter among the animals, as well as the way Jack develops into a leader as he wrangles uncooperative animals into going along with his plan. Daniels's elegant b&w spot illustrations appear throughout, adding to the story's appeal. A sequel, Simple Plans, is also available. Ages 7 10. (BookLife)