The Dead Sea Squirrels Full Series Review

Summary

Michael travels to the Dead Sea with his scientist father and best friend, Justin. While there, Michael discovers two petrified squirrels and sneaks them back home. When they become rehydrated with rainwater, hilarity ensues! Squirrels Merle and Pearl were alive when Jesus walked the earth and saw his ministry first hand. They help Michael navigate some tricky situations with Biblical wisdom and humor, all while avoiding a man in black sunglasses who seems to have a special interest in the squirrels.

Reading Level: Ages 6-10
Read Aloud: Any Age!

Mom Thoughts

This series from Veggie Tales co-creator Mike Nawrocki is filled with humor, excitement, and Christian values at every turn. Each book even has a Core Value that is focused on during that book including kindness, hard work, and obedience. Any questionable behaviors are addressed and never glorified or made to look cool. The author does an excellent job of using real situations with which children will easily relate, all while wrapping it in a fun and unrealistic adventure involving Jesus-loving squirrels. While it is not a graphic novel, it is filled with fun and large illustrations throughout, giving it almost a comic book feel. If your child likes Dog Man, but you don’t love the content, this could be a wonderful series to try.

Language: Edgar calls the boys “gross,” and “nerds.” Also, in describing someone’s circumstances, the word “fortune” is used.

Questionable Behaviors: The boys are bullied by Edgar and hits another boy in the back of the head. He hangs them on a dome climber from their underwear which is also depicted in an illustration. When trying to convince their parents to let them go to Israel, Sadie and Justin plead, promise, pout and beg.

Other Things: Merle and Pearl find themselves hiding in a confessional in Israel, talking to a friar, Father Philip who continues to help them throughout the books.