Squirrels opens with “Pity the poor tree squirrel. Throughout history it has rarely been the object of much attention. What can be the reason? Are their industrious habits too insignificant to rate notice? Perhaps because they are so common, they are overlooked. Here you will find facts, myths, mysteries, interactions with human cultures, graphics, and newly emerging information uncovered by ongoing research. For closet squirrel lovers and urban wildlife fans as well as those already enamored of this widespread creature, this is one small step in making up for past omissions.”
Kim Long lives up to his preface. Here is a book for squirrel admirers. Not only does he describes various squirrel species but he details the life and death of squirrels. The author describes how squirrels are a part of the circle of life. Kim Long discusses nut bearing trees and their cycles, and squirrel predators. Squirrel predators eat squirrels, while squirrels eat tree nuts. They are all interdependent on each other.
Kim Long also delves into squirrel anatomy and taxonomy, both difficult topics. He uses easy-to-understand words to explain various scientific terms. Taxonomy (the naming of animals) is explained with diagrams and clear concise words. Tree squirrels are defined by their bushy tails. “Squirrels are classified by their scientific name scuiridae, a Latin designation originally taken from the Greek words meaning 'shadow tail'.”
Interspersed in the book are human perceptions of squirrels. Kim Long explains that squirrels cross ponds by standing on a flat piece of wood, using their bushy tails as sails. Then he observes, “In an illustrated manuscript from 1595, a picture of a squirrel is shown, using its tail to sail across a river. The inscription reads: “Vincit solertia viers” (Inventiveness vanquishes might.)”
This is an easy-to-understand “Nature” book about squirrels. The only problem with Squirrels is that it only covers tree squirrels of North America are covered in detail. However, after reading this book, the reader will never look at a squirrel the same way again.
Purchase this book and other squirrel books at Amazon.com
American Fox Squirrel Photo copyrighted by 1000 pictures
Va. Carper
August 18, 2005