Reading: EGG MARKS THE SPOT (SKUNK AND BADGER #2) - Amy Timberlake (author), Jon Klassen (illustrator)

(BLOG TOUR SPOTLIGHT!)

1st Line: "RAP-RAP."

Prose (Story): When Skunk, seeking to get out of the house on Sunday because he knows his New Yak Times Book Review section will be stolen by a sticky-fingered hedgehog "friend," talks roommate Badger into a rock-finding expedition to replace the one-of-a-kind agate stolen years ago by Badger's cousin Fisher, the best buddies learn that Campsite #5 at Endless Lake holds a (literally) much bigger, older secret than they could ever imagine. One that will find the boys fighting to save a chicken friend ... and Badger confronting his old nemesis at last.

Don's (Review): I was privileged to do a Blog Spotlight Tour for the first book in this "insta-classic" children's series (you can find my original review for Skunk and Badger HERE), so jumped at the chance to do the same for the sequel. Though for me this one took a bit longer for the story to get going, from page one it was still brilliant to get back to the irascible Badger - who has only mildly chilled out in regards to his patience with Skunk, and his boisterous, wide-eyed and occasionally melodramtic friend and roommate. 

Author Timberlake obviously has so much love for both the boys, and expertly shows their growing friendship as the hike to Endless Lake has Badger watching out for his small friend and one gi-normous backpack, even as Skunk's made it clear that Badger must replace that agate and more forward with his rock collection (and rock work; there is always the rock work). It's sweet, funny and charming, watching the boys settle in at Campsite #5, but for me the story really came to life with the introduction of the "bad guy" - Badger's cousin Fisher. Fisher makes the Grinch look like Mary Poppins, even more so once we learn why Fisher has come to Endless Lake in the first place - and then it's all chickens and action and an amber wall holding a bit of treasure ... the boys finding themselves way in over their heads, but never backing down. Because best friends who have each other's backs never do. 

Timberlake builds up the action beautifully, escalating the tension and raising the stakes for our heroes - all aided by the timeless, elegant line drawings of illustrator Jon Klassen, which alone will remind adult readers of some of their favorite classics from childhood, such as Charlotte's Web or Winnie the Pooh. Things wrap up to a very satisfying conclusion here, by the end, with - yay! - the last-minute introduction of a couple new characters hinting at a third book coming down the road. Which is fine with me; I haven't loved a couple of classically mistmatched roommates this much since I watched reruns of "The Odd Couple" as a kid. Bring on book three!  4/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. 

Photo Credits - Amy Timberlake: Phil Timberlake; Jeff Klassen: Carson Ellis

Praise (so well-deserved!) for book one, Skunk and Badger: