Rock Paper Incisors

By Amy Timberlake

Illustrated by Jon Klassen

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

This is the third instalment in the adventures of Skunk and Badger, first encountered in Skunk and Badger #1, which was followed by Egg Marks the Spot: Skunk and Badger #2. Amy Timberlake, a much-awarded US writer, is ably supported by the talented illustrator Jon Klassen, himself an award winning writer and illustrator -so a top-notch team here and they excel themselves in another hilarious and whimsical adventure that brings out unexpected depths in the two friends.

They have adopted two orphan rats, Zeno and Zephyr (their mum got ‘slurped up by a dinosaur’ in #2) and can’t see how this could affect their lives much. ‘Every animal thinks raising their particular young takes extra special skills, but it’s all the same – food, shelter, and then, you know, good luck to you. I am a full-grown badger. The rats? Pocket-sized.’ Badger batted his paw. ‘easy-peasy’. 

What follows is a  glorious romp as Zeno and Zephyr, who seem to grow and learn at an alarming rate, turn everything upside down. The constant mayhem interferes dreadfully with Badger’s Important.Rock.Work. He is trying to write an article, one that will see him widely recognized as an Important.Rock.Scientist, but he gradually realises that raising rats is a full time job.

Ultimately there are decisions and sacrifices that need to be made. What is more important looking after two young orphans or becoming a famous scientist? Badger and Skunk are helped by an assortment of hens that come and go, there is also a bear who turns up sleeping in their hallway, (later there are cubs!) – life is very different now.                

There is humour in every sentence underpinned by love and understanding of people of all kinds. Amy is keen on sound effects. The text is remarkable for its expressive dialogue and the prolific use of onomatopoeia. Just on one page there is shuffle shuffle, p-plop, pad, pad, pad, cacKLE-ECK! ck-hA! Eck!, and ErrrrrRRRRR…ErrrrrRRRRR…ErrrrrRRRRR from the rock tumbler, p109. This makes it an absolute joy and a challenge to read aloud.

I  could not contain my shout of joy when my copy arrived. I adore this series which so cleverly and humorously traces the developing relationship between two unlikely friends, the gregarious Skunk and the introverted Badger, all so wittily illustrated by Jon Klassen.

Highly recommended for all school and home libraries, and junior Reader’s Cup teams.

Teaching Guide

A & U Children 2025

Amy Timberlake

Jon Klassen