Poster for The secret life of squirrels

The secret life of squirrels (2018) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Mr. Peanuts' teacher friend Rosie needs help preparing for the first day of school! The two squirrels go shopping for school supplies, set up the library and music corners, bring all the sports equipment out to the blacktop, and decorate the classroom. Mr. Peanuts even practices driving the school bus! But it's not easy to be a teacher getting ready for a whole classroom of new faces. Will Mr. Peanuts and Rosie be able to pull together the room before the end of summer?

Picture Book • 2018 • 32 pages • Kindergarten - Grade 2

5.0
Average rating by Bontent members
Sign up for full access
Age
3+

The Secret Life of Squirrels: Back to School is a whimsical picture book featuring real photography of squirrels in miniature dioramas. The story is entirely gentle, following squirrels Mr. Peanuts and Rosie as they prepare a classroom for the first day of school. It is an ideal read-aloud for preschoolers and kindergarteners, as it contains no violence, profanity, or mature content.

Sign up to get 40,000+ Bontent parent guides
Unlock ratings, reviews, recommendations and guides for all content types

Is The secret life of squirrels appropriate for kids?

The Secret Life of Squirrels: Back to School is a whimsical picture book featuring real photography of squirrels in miniature dioramas. The story is entirely gentle, following squirrels Mr. Peanuts and Rosie as they prepare a classroom for the first day of school. It is an ideal… Read more — free account

Content severity in The secret life of squirrels

Sex None 0/10
Violence None 0/10
Language None 0/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Mild 1/10

What happens in The secret life of squirrels, moment by moment

  1. p. 2 🔥 Mature Themes 1/10
  2. p. 4 🔥 Mature Themes 1/10
  3. p. 7 🔥 Mature Themes 1/10
Unlock all 9 flagged passages — free account →

Sex and nudity in The secret life of squirrels

There is no sexual content or nudity in this book. The story focuses entirely on squirrels wearing tiny accessories and engaging in wholesome, school-related activities like organizing backpacks and desks. The tone is completely innocent and appropriate for the youngest readers who are just beginning to explore books. The photography emphasizes the curiosity of the animals in a natural but staged environment. There are no romantic subplots or adult interactions included in the narrative.

Violence and gore in The secret life of squirrels

The book contains no violence, gore, or physical conflict of any kind. The squirrels are depicted in peaceful settings, focusing on preparation and learning rather than peril or natural predators. There are no scenes that would cause distress or fear in children, as the animals appear calm and well-cared for. Even accidental clumsiness is avoided in favor of productive, organized activity. The photography captures the squirrels in frozen, safe poses within miniature wooden frames.

Language in The secret life of squirrels

There is absolutely no profanity, name-calling, or suggestive language used throughout the text. The vocabulary is simple, encouraging, and tailored for a preschool or kindergarten audience with words like "prepared" and "together." The dialogue and narration remain consistently polite, welcoming, and supportive. Even in moments of hard work, the squirrels use encouraging language toward one another. Parents can feel secure that there are no hidden double entendres or rude slang words.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The secret life of squirrels

No alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances are referenced or depicted in the story. The squirrels interact only with school supplies, nuts, and miniature furniture like tiny easels and benches. The world created in the photography is safe and free from any adult themes or references to medicine or chemicals. A lunchbox is shown, but it contains only healthy, squirrel-appropriate snacks. The focus remains entirely on educational tools and natural forage.

Mature themes in The secret life of squirrels

The book focuses on cooperative work, friendship, and the excitement of starting a new school year. Mr. Peanuts and Rosie demonstrate positive social behaviors by sharing tasks and planning for the arrival of students. The narrative emphasizes organization, preparation, and the joy of shared accomplishments in a school setting. Children will see themes of diligence as the squirrels carefully set up desks and art supplies. It is a celebratory look at educational environments that helps ease anxiety about starting…

Read more — free account

Bontent Member Reviews

Register for free to join the conversation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The secret life of squirrels appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The secret life of squirrels is best for ages 3+. The Secret Life of Squirrels: Back to School is a whimsical picture book featuring real photography of squirrels in miniature dioramas. The story is entirely gentle, following squirrels Mr. Peanuts and Rosie as they…

What age rating does The secret life of squirrels have?

Books don't carry official age ratings. The secret life of squirrels is published for a Picture Book audience, and Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 3+.

What reading level is The secret life of squirrels?

The secret life of squirrels is 32 pages and its reading level is Kindergarten - Grade 2. Bontent recommends it for ages 3+.

What is The secret life of squirrels about?

The Secret Life of Squirrels: Back to School is a whimsical picture book featuring real photography of squirrels in miniature dioramas. The story is entirely gentle, following squirrels Mr. Peanuts and Rosie as they prepare a classroom for the first day of school. It is an ideal read-aloud for preschoolers and…

Is there sex or nudity in The secret life of squirrels?

There is no sexual content or nudity in this book. The story focuses entirely on squirrels wearing tiny accessories and engaging in wholesome, school-related activities like organizing backpacks and desks. The tone is completely innocent and appropriate for…

How violent is The secret life of squirrels?

The book contains no violence, gore, or physical conflict of any kind. The squirrels are depicted in peaceful settings, focusing on preparation and learning rather than peril or natural predators. There are no scenes that would cause distress or fear in…

Is the language in The secret life of squirrels appropriate for kids?

There is absolutely no profanity, name-calling, or suggestive language used throughout the text. The vocabulary is simple, encouraging, and tailored for a preschool or kindergarten audience with words like "prepared" and "together." The dialogue and narration…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in The secret life of squirrels?

No alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances are referenced or depicted in the story. The squirrels interact only with school supplies, nuts, and miniature furniture like tiny easels and benches. The world created in the photography is safe and free from any…

What mature themes appear in The secret life of squirrels?

The book focuses on cooperative work, friendship, and the excitement of starting a new school year. Mr. Peanuts and Rosie demonstrate positive social behaviors by sharing tasks and planning for the arrival of students. The narrative emphasizes organization…

Where can I read the full The secret life of squirrels parent guide?

Create a free Bontent account to unlock page-level notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your watchlist.

Sign up for access to 40,000+ parent guides.