Squirrel in the Museum

Pandemonium breaks out at the science museum when Twitch the squirrel tags along on a school trip in this hilarious chapter book.

When Twitch hears that the school children are taking a field trip to the science museum, he decides he wants to join in the fun, so he stows away on the school bus and hides in a backpack to get in. But as always, not everyone is glad to see a squirrel in their midst.

Pursued by security guards, Twitch turns the exhibits into his own private carnival ride, swinging on a Foucault pendulum, riding a model Mars Rover, and skittering across the Bernoulli air pressure table. Just when it seems like there's no escape, Twitch's chaotic romp turns up some surprises for the museum staff. . . and a friendly boy in a wheelchair saves the day for the squirrel, sneaking him back out.

With more than 50 energetic illustrations accompanying the short, hilarious chapters, Squirrel in the Museum is a perfect pick for young readers just starting to seek out longer texts--or a great read-aloud. For aspiring scientists, this book also includes an explanation of the scientific exhibits Twitch encounters--as told by the friendly science lab geckos.

Vivian Vande Velde is the author of more than twenty books for children and young adults. She has received an Edgar Award, five of her novels have been named Best Books for Young Adults by the ALA, and 8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel ÷ 1 Dog = Chaos was nominated for seven state awards. She lives in Rochester, New York.

Steve Björkman has illustrated many picture books, chapter books, and greeting cards. He illustrated both 8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel ÷ 1 Dog = Chaos and Squirrel in the House, the two earlier books about Twitch. He lives in Aliso Viejo, California.