Isabel Ricardo’s The Squirrel Who Loved Books is a sweet, bilingual tale about an unusually book-obsessed squirrel named Chesty (or Saltarico in Portuguese) and a Portuguese boy named John (João), who is struggling with homesickness after moving to Boston. Set primarily in the lush Boston Public Garden, the story unfolds around the unlikely but heartwarming friendship between the two. Chesty is no ordinary squirrel—he steals books from park visitors, always leaving an acorn or nut in return, until he discovers something far more rewarding: sharing stories and connection. Through their bond, both characters learn about empathy, culture, and the magic of storytelling.

I really enjoyed how playful and imaginative the writing was. Ricardo has a gift for wrapping meaningful themes in whimsical, colorful packaging. There’s an innocence to the narrative, but it’s never too cutesy. I cracked a smile more than once, especially during the squirrel’s mischievous book heists and his nut-throwing prank on the mean dog. The fact that the squirrel ends up with his own treasured book and even visits the Boston Public Library hit me right in my bookworm heart. The way the story folds in themes like immigration, bilingualism, loneliness, and curiosity without being heavy-handed is something I really liked.

The story leans into a lovely kind of idealism, like when the whole city starts leaving books out for the squirrels. It’s whimsical and full of heart, exactly the kind of joyful imagination that makes children’s books so magical. It embraces its message with sincerity, and that’s part of its charm. The bilingual format is a lovely touch, too. It’s not just practical for learning languages, it feels like an echo of the book’s deeper message: different cultures and creatures can connect through stories. Also, the illustrations help sell the emotional beats and playful tone of the book, although the style changes from scene to scene.

The Squirrel Who Loved Books is a delightful and feel-good story that would be a perfect read for children, bilingual families, or even nostalgic adults who still believe in the wonder of books. It’s cozy. It’s thoughtful. It reminds us that even the smallest creatures can feel big things.

Pages: 93 | ISBN : 1962185559