The Secret Life of the Skunk (Secret Life)

by Laurence Pringle (Author) Kate Garchinsky (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
Series: Secret Life
Discover the secret behaviors of a notoriously stinky mammal--the skunk--by following a family as the kits grow from infancy to adulthood. The celebrated Secret Life series continues with a determined mother skunk and her five kits. Young readers will learn about their hidden lives as the skunk kits grow and explore their world, escape predators, and hunt for food. Here is a story of family and survival packed with science terminology, depictions of skunk behavior, and information about skunks' habitats, diets, and sounds. And stunning illustrations invite readers to get closer than they ever could in reality to these skunks' secret lives.
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School Library Journal

K-Gr 4--Pringle introduces readers to five young skunks as they cuddle close in the secret burrow their mother made deep in the ground. The striped skunks are nurtured by their mother for several weeks. At about five weeks old, the kits are ready to venture out of their burrow to learn to hunt for food under maternal supervision. The author depicts the fascinating journey of growth and discovery from early spring through summer as the skunks learn how to survive and prepare for a life without their mother. Packed with interesting facts and beautiful digital illustrations, this nonfiction book will entice early readers and student researchers alike. Back matter includes more information about skunks as well as a glossary and a list of additional resources. VERDICT Young readers will enjoy the lyrical text and warm illustrations in this fourth book in the author's "Secret Life" series.--Annette Herbert, F. E. Smith Elementary School, Cortland, NY

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"Maligned and malodorous...but oh, so interesting. Skunks may not be everyone's favorites, but they are fascinating. The smoothly written, gentle narrative explores the life of a family from birth in early spring to the kits' independence in late fall. Sweet—really: Animal lovers will find much to appreciate here, and report writers are well served." - Kirkus Reviews
Laurence Pringle
Laurence Pringle has written more than 100 books for children and teenagers, including the Strange and Wonderful series and The Secret Life series, among other award-winning science titles. Internationally, his books have sold more than 3 million copies.

Kate Garchinsky was born and raised just upstream of John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, and received her BFA in illustration from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, with a focus in nature and children's literature. She is the illustrator of several of The Secret Life books by Laurence Pringle.
Illustrator site: penguinart.com
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781629798776
Lexile Measure
920
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Astra Young Readers
Publication date
August 20, 2019
Series
Secret Life
BISAC categories
JNF051150 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Zoology
JNF003140 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Mammals
JNF003320 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Nocturnal
JNF003330 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Baby Animals
Library of Congress categories
Skunks
Life cycles

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