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Bird & Squirrel #1
Bird & Squirrel on the Run
Bird and Squirrel outwit Cat and become best friends in this zany adventure.
Squirrel is afraid of his own shadow. Bird doesn't have a care in the world. And Cat wants to eat Bird and Squirrel. Of course, he'll have to catch them first, and that's not going to be easy.
Join this trio as they head south for the winter in a hilarious road trip. But watch out! Cat is waiting around every bend, and he's one pesky feline.
Squirrel is afraid of his own shadow. Bird doesn't have a care in the world. And Cat wants to eat Bird and Squirrel. Of course, he'll have to catch them first, and that's not going to be easy.
Join this trio as they head south for the winter in a hilarious road trip. But watch out! Cat is waiting around every bend, and he's one pesky feline.
126 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
122 people are currently reading
1882 people want to read
About the author
James Burks
47 books172 followersI've worked as an artist in the animation industry for companies like Disney, Warner Brothers, and Nickelodeon. Projects I've worked on include the Emperor's New Groove, Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Space Jam, the Iron Giant and the television shows, Wow Wow Wubbzy, Ni-hao Kai-lan, the Dinosaur Train and most recently on Cartoon Network's PowerPuff Girls.
I also write and illustrate my own books including the Graphix graphic novel series Bird and Squirrel, and Agent 9.
I also write and illustrate my own books including the Graphix graphic novel series Bird and Squirrel, and Agent 9.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
December 4, 2022
This is where it all begins:
Bird & Squirrel are the quintessential odd couple. Bird is carefree and clueless. He is an eternal optimist. Squirrel is focused and fearful. He wears an acorn cap for a helmet -- just in case. When Squirrel has to sacrifice his winter provisions to save Bird from Cat, they decide to "Go South." And their adventure on the run begins. Cat is relentless and other predators also do their best to eliminate Bird or Squirrel. What I really liked about this book: 1) The full-color graphics. 2) Learning from mistakes. 3) Compromise. Can't wait to see what they do in Book 2.
Bird & Squirrel are the quintessential odd couple. Bird is carefree and clueless. He is an eternal optimist. Squirrel is focused and fearful. He wears an acorn cap for a helmet -- just in case. When Squirrel has to sacrifice his winter provisions to save Bird from Cat, they decide to "Go South." And their adventure on the run begins. Cat is relentless and other predators also do their best to eliminate Bird or Squirrel. What I really liked about this book: 1) The full-color graphics. 2) Learning from mistakes. 3) Compromise. Can't wait to see what they do in Book 2.
October 3, 2012
Holy cow, Bird & Squirrel are my husband and me. He's Bird. Good golly, he's Bird. Leaving me to be Squirrel. Sadly.
Whoever is in charge of taking kids' books and turning them into cartoons: ordinarily, I would not be a fan of your work. However, this book is destined to be a cartoon. It really, really needs to be a cartoon. So if this is your job, I will give you a pass just this one time, because, seriously--this needs to be a cartoon.
Squirrel is busybusybusy. Winter is coming and he hasn't stored away enough acorns. Scurryscurryscurry, gathergathergather.
Bird is a free spirit. He loves flyyyyying, and talllllking. Especially to Squirrel, who, quite frankly, does not want to listen. But Bird is a persistent fellow, and he eventually worms his way into a friendship (of sorts) with the busybusybusy one. Together, they fight a nasty cat, survive a drop over a waterfall, and many other dangers. And while Squirrel is about to have a nervous breakdown, Bird is oblivious. It works.
Kids will get a kick out of this unlikely duo. They're just funny.
Whoever is in charge of taking kids' books and turning them into cartoons: ordinarily, I would not be a fan of your work. However, this book is destined to be a cartoon. It really, really needs to be a cartoon. So if this is your job, I will give you a pass just this one time, because, seriously--this needs to be a cartoon.
Squirrel is busybusybusy. Winter is coming and he hasn't stored away enough acorns. Scurryscurryscurry, gathergathergather.
Bird is a free spirit. He loves flyyyyying, and talllllking. Especially to Squirrel, who, quite frankly, does not want to listen. But Bird is a persistent fellow, and he eventually worms his way into a friendship (of sorts) with the busybusybusy one. Together, they fight a nasty cat, survive a drop over a waterfall, and many other dangers. And while Squirrel is about to have a nervous breakdown, Bird is oblivious. It works.
Kids will get a kick out of this unlikely duo. They're just funny.
January 30, 2015
In this colorful graphic novel, two unlikely friends, a nervous squirrel and a carefree bird, join together to escape the menacing cat that wants to eat them. When Squirrel’s winter nut supply is destroyed in his attempts to save Bird from the evil cat’s claws, Bird and Squirrel decide to escape the upcoming cruel weather by embarking on a road trip south. Along the way, Bird annoys Squirrel with his laissez-faire attitude and the theme song he created for the duo.
Despite their differences, Bird and Squirrel must find a way to work together to escape the hungry cat that seems to be lurking around every corner. Will they survive the cat, and each other? Recommended for children and adults alike, Bird & Squirrel On the Run will have you laughing and rooting for the animal pair until the very end.
Despite their differences, Bird and Squirrel must find a way to work together to escape the hungry cat that seems to be lurking around every corner. Will they survive the cat, and each other? Recommended for children and adults alike, Bird & Squirrel On the Run will have you laughing and rooting for the animal pair until the very end.
September 6, 2016
Tom and Jerry, except Tom is roundish and orange, and Jerry is a zany bird and a scared squirrel. It also takes place almost entirely out of doors.
Burks is great at slightly silly - but still realistic - stories: he uses fun colors in breezy, Wile E. Coyote/Roadrunner-style romps.
Woulda taken this out to elementary schools, but Burks already has traction in my area. Yay adorable fun silly kids comics!
Burks is great at slightly silly - but still realistic - stories: he uses fun colors in breezy, Wile E. Coyote/Roadrunner-style romps.
Woulda taken this out to elementary schools, but Burks already has traction in my area. Yay adorable fun silly kids comics!
August 28, 2022
جدا خیلی داستان کیوتی داشتش اگه بچه ای دارید حتما براش بگیرید و هم خودتون بخونید و ازش لذت ببرید.
January 20, 2020
Poor Squirrel. He just can't catch a break! All he wants is food for the winter, and Bird comes and screws things up. This is a great "road trip" book, and I loved it. I loved the illustrations, and I loved the humor. And it's pretty deep, too (although that may be because I was reading it at 2am), as evident by this passage:
Squirrel: I can't go any farther. I don't belong out here. I just want to go home.
Bird: You'll die if you turn back now.
Squirrel: I'm going to die if I keep going. That crazy old mole said that I was going to fall to my death... and the way things are going... I BELIEVE her!
Bird: Look on the bright side. You're dead either way.
Squirrel: Oh, thanks, Captain Comfort.
Bird: I'm just saying, you might as well keep going and make the best of it. What's it going to be? Die cold and alone on your way back home... or take a chance, maybe have some fun... and die with me!
See? Deep.
2020 update: Just read this with my girls (ages 4 & 8). I have a reluctant reader, so graphic novels are perfect for her. The 8-year-old took the part of Squirrel, I took the part of Bird, and the 4-year-old voiced the cat. The kids LOVED it, and are excited to read the rest of the series. So guess what I just purchased? And I'm very much ok with it!
Squirrel: I can't go any farther. I don't belong out here. I just want to go home.
Bird: You'll die if you turn back now.
Squirrel: I'm going to die if I keep going. That crazy old mole said that I was going to fall to my death... and the way things are going... I BELIEVE her!
Bird: Look on the bright side. You're dead either way.
Squirrel: Oh, thanks, Captain Comfort.
Bird: I'm just saying, you might as well keep going and make the best of it. What's it going to be? Die cold and alone on your way back home... or take a chance, maybe have some fun... and die with me!
See? Deep.
2020 update: Just read this with my girls (ages 4 & 8). I have a reluctant reader, so graphic novels are perfect for her. The 8-year-old took the part of Squirrel, I took the part of Bird, and the 4-year-old voiced the cat. The kids LOVED it, and are excited to read the rest of the series. So guess what I just purchased? And I'm very much ok with it!
March 19, 2016
I liked this book so much I read it four times in three days!!! And I'm reading it a fifth time. It's sooooo funny because Bird and Squirrel are running for their lives from the cat and Bird is always smiling until the hawk comes and he thinks he's going to die. I recommend this book because there's a lot of completely funny parts in it.
December 17, 2022
Really funny
Of course there’s a bird and a squirrel
Of course there’s a bird and a squirrel
August 12, 2013
2.5 stars. I originally checked this out to share with my niece, but it was actually my nephew that ended up reading this book with me. My niece was in the next room listening to the story, but it didn't engage her enough to lure her onto the couch with us as we read, so she missed out on half the story in a graphic novel--the pictures.
My nephew enjoyed the story, and he particularly liked that Cat looked more and more ragged as he pursued Squirrel and Bird. He enjoyed the bright illustrations and the story, but he wasn't over-the-moon about this graphic novel. He liked it, but didn't love it.
I found the plot in this book to be a little thin, and Squirrel and Bird also annoyed me a bit, but I enjoyed Cat a great deal. I was also pleased that this graphic novel was eye catching enough to keep my nephew's attention to the end. Amusing in places, and an entertaining enough book, but I don't think we loved all of the characters enough to check out a second Bird and Squirrel book, if one existed.
My nephew enjoyed the story, and he particularly liked that Cat looked more and more ragged as he pursued Squirrel and Bird. He enjoyed the bright illustrations and the story, but he wasn't over-the-moon about this graphic novel. He liked it, but didn't love it.
I found the plot in this book to be a little thin, and Squirrel and Bird also annoyed me a bit, but I enjoyed Cat a great deal. I was also pleased that this graphic novel was eye catching enough to keep my nephew's attention to the end. Amusing in places, and an entertaining enough book, but I don't think we loved all of the characters enough to check out a second Bird and Squirrel book, if one existed.
April 15, 2015
1. This action adventure story is filled with heroes, villains and friendship. The panels are full of bright color and easy to follow. On page 61 the panels create the humor of that particular sequence. It is super easy to follow.
2. Audience/Application: I think this would be great for any reader. Titlewave says reading level is 2nd grade with interest up into the 6th grade. I think first graders could talk about some of the themes if it were read aloud (or a higher level reader). It’s funny, its about friendship and different personalities. I can see it working to humorously introduce prey/predator relationships in Science. It could be a friendship study for a friendship circle. Bird and Squirrel are such different personalities, but by the end they make it work, just like we would want friendship circles to do.
3. I really like the FULL color of this graphic novel. So many are limited in that, that this was a nice change. It added to the ease of reading and understanding of the story. I really think this could be a great leisure read to get kids reading and laughing.
2. Audience/Application: I think this would be great for any reader. Titlewave says reading level is 2nd grade with interest up into the 6th grade. I think first graders could talk about some of the themes if it were read aloud (or a higher level reader). It’s funny, its about friendship and different personalities. I can see it working to humorously introduce prey/predator relationships in Science. It could be a friendship study for a friendship circle. Bird and Squirrel are such different personalities, but by the end they make it work, just like we would want friendship circles to do.
3. I really like the FULL color of this graphic novel. So many are limited in that, that this was a nice change. It added to the ease of reading and understanding of the story. I really think this could be a great leisure read to get kids reading and laughing.
August 21, 2012
Bird and Squirrel don’t exactly get along. Bird just wants to have a good time and never worries about a thing. Squirrel is obsessive about gathering nuts for the winter and worries constantly. But when Squirrel’s hoard of nuts is destroyed, the two of them realize they need one another to head south for the winter. Unfortunately, the cat has a different idea and that is having both Squirrel and Bird for lunch! This zany graphic novel is filled with twists and turns that will have even the most reluctant readers eagerly turning the pages.
Read the rest of my review on my blog, Waking Brain Cells.
Read the rest of my review on my blog, Waking Brain Cells.
December 2, 2014
Adorable tale of friendship. Bird is happy-go-lucky and Squirrel worries about everything. They make a fantastic team as they become friends in this heart-warming and hilarious adventure. James Burke has a wonderful cartoon style of squaring the characters' heads that just seems to make them more adorable. One even has a little feeling for the evil Cat by the end. I loved the contrast of the two friends with Bird seeing the bright side of everything (It's better to die together than alone) and Squirrel afraid, worried or nervous about everything new (Grasshoppers give him the heebie-jeebies). The book ends with the two flying off on a new adventure and I look forward to their antics in the next book.
October 2, 2012
I couldn't put it down and was laughing out loud during the book fair to the point that people were staring at me. This book tickled my funny bone and I think will be a hit in the library. I want more Bird & Squirrel adventures.
March 11, 2019
I enjoyed these so much I read the first five volumes (all there are so far) in a row. Excellent "buddy" humor and surprising character growth over the course of the series--it's not just the same jokes repeated endlessly. I'm getting ready to start them with my kids.
February 27, 2022
My 8 year old son loves this graphic novel. He’s read it 10 times in the last month. I wanted to read it so I can see why he loves it so much. He would rate it 5 ⭐️. My rating as an adult is more 3 ⭐️ because it’s definitely targeted to a younger audience.
March 27, 2023
Les amitiés éclectiques sont souvent les plus belles. Une BD colorée qui m’a fait sourire à plusieurs moments. Plumo et Phobie ont une complicité du tonnerre et de folles aventures! Les blagues et l’humour est facile et accessible mais ça n’amoindrit pas le charme de l’histoire!
September 17, 2012
Loved this dynamic duo! Hopefully James Burks continues their adventures - this will be a winner with my students!
July 10, 2016
A cute little story about an outgoing bird and a nervous squirrel. The little girl I was working with really enjoyed it and it was a decent read for an adult as well.
September 21, 2017
Hilarious book to read to young ones. Also hilarious to read just in general, but if you need an excuse you have one.
April 5, 2017
Aluksi en ihan tiennyt, että pitäisinkö tästä ollenkaan. Piirrostyyli oli vähän alkeellinen ja albumi vaikutti vähän yksinkertaiselta. Mutta sitten vähitellen uhkarohkea ja vähän hölmö lintu sekä neuroottinen orava saivat mielenkiinnon heräämään ja tarinan lentämään.
Eli tarinassa lintu lentelee eikä huolehdi huomisesta samalla, kun orava pelkää kuolevansa nälkään talvella, jos ruokavarastot eivät ole täpötäynnä. Näistä hyvinkin eriluonteisista elukoista tulee omalaatuiset ystävät, jotka omilla tavoillaan yrittävät pysytellä hengissä niin luonnonvoimilta kuin heitä vaanivalta kissalta.
Eli tarinassa lintu lentelee eikä huolehdi huomisesta samalla, kun orava pelkää kuolevansa nälkään talvella, jos ruokavarastot eivät ole täpötäynnä. Näistä hyvinkin eriluonteisista elukoista tulee omalaatuiset ystävät, jotka omilla tavoillaan yrittävät pysytellä hengissä niin luonnonvoimilta kuin heitä vaanivalta kissalta.
March 22, 2019
Fun series. Great for reluctant readers and animals lovers. Adventure with two zany animals (Bird, who is an owl, and Squirrel, who... well, you know) who have to get into some scrapes before they realize they are actually great friends. Bird is an adventurous, free spirit and Squirrel is a homebody with a penchant for planning and organization, but by the end they are ready for whatever comes next.
November 4, 2018
This is one of the shorter graphic novels. Bird and Squirrel are being chased by Cat and decide to band together to survive. Squirrel loses all his acorns while trying to attack Cat, so Bird convinces him to journey south with him for the winter. Bird is optimistic, always happy. Squirrel is wary, always expecting the worst. Cat never lets up on the chase and never dies (like Wile E. Coyote). Squirrel learns that two is better than one, and there's something good to be said about adventure.
May 19, 2018
I just read this book to some of the children. I don't usually record the children books I read, but this one is pretty funny. While reading this story, Squirrel and Bird resembled myself and a friend of mine Evan J. If you know both of us you know who is who.
December 21, 2018
The bird looks everything on the bright side. It's so funny. And the squirrel is looking everything on the bad side. After a while he learns to look on the bright side too of course.
They don't even know the hungry cat is coming behind them, and they are blocking him without knowing.
They don't even know the hungry cat is coming behind them, and they are blocking him without knowing.
July 4, 2021
Great characters - a scaredy squirrel, who grows with his friendship with a carefree (careless?) bird, who are both always being hunted by a cat. I love the “grand-mole” and her cryptic prediction. A very fun read.
March 30, 2017
This was funny because the cat kept leaping out everywhere they went. And then they had to get to the south together.
March 30, 2017
What a couple of characters! Quite the opposites.
April 27, 2017
Good friendship story. Maybe too much cat
May 23, 2017
Loved the illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews