Spring is finally here and Squirrel is excited about the year ahead. She has trees to scamper up and down, tasty nuts to gather, and friends to visit. But when Squirrel leaves her warm nest high in the oak tree, she hears Blue Jay and Cardinal talking about how hard they had to search to find food during the harsh winter. Squirrel gathered plenty of food to get her through the winter. She slept through the blustery days and freezing nights, snug and dry in her nest. She even has some stored food left over. Squirrel decides to put her tree climbing aside and help her friends. With her cheeks stuffed full of seeds and an idea that she hopes will make sure her friends Blue Jay, Cardinal, and Mouse all have enough food to get them through the coming winter, Squirrel searches for the perfect place to carry out her plan. And she’s going to need the help of her friends to pull it off, but will it work? The Sunflower Squirrel is a story designed to inspire children to learn more about the codependent relationship between plants and wild animals. It’s a fun story of friendship, teamwork, generosity, and determination. Laara C Oakes is an author and poet with a background in the natural sciences. Privileged to live among, and to observe wildlife from the California forests to the Florida wetlands, her admiration and respect for nature is reflected in her delightful stories. Christina Allen is an artist and illustrator. Her picture books have won five National Awards, including: The Bronze Evergreen Book Award, The Silver Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, Mom’s Choice Award, and the Indie Award for Excellence for Children’s Books, non-fiction. This beautifully illustrated book is a perfect addition to school classrooms, libraries, nature centers, or home collections for children who enjoy a story book with a rewarding finish. To purchase The Sunflower Squirrel, visit