Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris

Here's a total change of pace: David Sedaris' collection of short stories that will have you laughing out loud while reading on public transit, or while reading in bed at night. 

I have never read David Sedaris' work, and this was a quirky and creative start. I will seek out more of his writing as it was a fresh point of view that was playful and engaging.

Many of these stories reminded me of old nursery rhymes that are fundamentally brutal in nature with grim outcomes and cautionary conclusions. They were really fun to discover. 



Summary from Goodreads.com: 

"Featuring David Sedaris's unique blend of hilarity and heart, this new collection of keen-eyed animal-themed tales is an utter delight. Though the characters may not be human, the situations in these stories bear an uncanny resemblance to the insanity of everyday life. 

In "The Toad, the Turtle, and the Duck," three strangers commiserate about animal bureaucracy while waiting in a complaint line. In "Hello Kitty," a cynical feline struggles to sit through his prison-mandated AA meetings. In "The Squirrel and the Chipmunk," a pair of star-crossed lovers is separated by prejudiced family members.

With original illustrations by Ian Falconer, author of the bestselling Olivia series of children's books, these stories are David Sedaris at his most observant, poignant, and surprising."


Ian Falconer is very talented! Here are a few of my favourite illustrations:

After: The Snake who Decided that Mice are Dinner

Before: The Mouse who Insisted on
Keeping a Snake as a Pet