Enjoying a quiet, solitary life in the brownstone owned by Aunt Lula, a pine marten whospeaksveryfast, Badger is dismayed by Skunk's arrival, battered suitcase in paw, with an invitation from Aunt Lula to stay there, too. On the bright side, Skunk is a terrific cook, and Badger reluctantly agrees that doing the cleanup afterward is fair ... mostly. Skunk's quiet nighttime pursuits-reading Shakespeare and contemplating the moon-are harmless. But scientist Badger cannot abide Skunk's constant daytime interruptions of his Important Rock Work and writes Aunt Lula to say the arrangement isn't working. While Badger awaits her reply, Skunk invites some chickens over for story time-lots of chickens. Skunk is sure the stoat who delivers a telegram from Aunt Lula is lying in wait for the chickens so insists they spend the night. After Badger is caught in the crossfire when Skunk sprays the stoat (who was lying in wait for the chickens), he loses his temper. Skunk and the chickens disappear. Problem solved? Not quite. Badger didn't mean to hurt Skunk's feelings, or upset the chickens-can he make things right? A story offering humor and warmth in equal measure shines with rich language, playful descriptive writing ("The bulb hummed fluorescently") and terrific characterizations. There's so much for younger listeners and older readers to delight in and reflect upon, including two full-color plates and occasional black-and-white illustrations that add to the immense pleasure of this story by Wisconsin native Timberlake. (Ages 7-10)

A Best Book of 2020: People * Kirkus Reviews * Booklist  * School Library Journal * Publishers Weekly * Shelf Awareness for Readers * New York Public Library * Chicago Public Library * Evanston Public Library

This acclaimed and bestselling best book of the year is a delightful animal-odd-couple story by Newbery Honoree Amy Timberlake, with pictures from Caldecott medalist Jon Klassen.

No one wants a skunk. They are unwelcome on front stoops. They should not linger in Important Rock Rooms. Skunks should never, ever be allowed to move in. But Skunk is Badger’s new roommate, and there is nothing Badger can do about it.
 
When Skunk plows into Badger’s life, everything Badger knows is upended. Tails are flipped. The wrong animal is sprayed. And why-oh-why are there so many chickens?

Newbery Honor author Amy Timberlake spins the first tale in a series about two opposites who need to be friends. New York Times bestselling author-illustrator and Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen completes the book with his signature lushly textured art. This beautifully produced hardcover edition contains both full-color plates and numerous black-and-white illustrations. Skunk and Badger is a book you’ll want to read, reread, and read out loud . . . again and again.

Skunk and Badger return in:
Egg Marks the Spot
Rock Paper Incisors (Coming October 2025)