Crank the irritation level up to HIGH as the latest Unlimited Squirrels offering explores a quintessential childhood feeling. Frustration has its day, and in many different forms. Willems has always used his Unlimited Squirrels as a way to deliver easy-reader sketch-comedy segments à la Laugh-In or Hee-Haw. Running gags pop up periodically, like Happy Squirrel's repeatedly thwarted attempts to say something only to be repeatedly stopped by the stage manager. There are the customary groan-inducing "It's Acorn-y Joke Time" gags. And there are the longer sections, like a legitimately amusing storyline involving Zoom Squirrel discovering new emotions. Research Rodent is on hand, asking the squirrels how they deal with frustrations; their helpful responses include taking deep breaths, solving problems new ways, and counting lucky stars. Whether kids will retain these lessons is by no means a given, but they provide a nice breather (no pun intended) between the jokes. Little wonder that this book is one of the more enjoyable outings with the Willems squirrels. After all, the author did make his name with a pigeon book that leaned heavily on that very same emotion. (This book was reviewed digitally.) The Unlimited Squirrels series finds its footing in the identifiable. (Easy reader. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

K-Gr 2--The Unlimited Squirrels are back with a new book full of humorous vignettes in a comic-style format that will induce an unlimited amount of laughs from readers. Zoom Squirrel and his supportive friends are discussing the important topic of feelings. The squirrels are showcasing a variety of emotions from disappointed to frustrated, and the most important: love. Zoomy is surprised to find that some of these new feelings are not what was expected. Sprinkled within the main story line, or the "Big Story," are scenes between characters that are full of wordplay designed to appeal to readers of a variety of ages. "Acorn-y" jokes also grab the attention of emergent readers. The graphic novel style format and book design works to build reading skills by clearly laying out text in a wide array of sizes and colors. This delightful book is sure to have lasting appeal for young readers and fans of the author's "Elephant & Piggie" series. VERDICT A masterly blending of relevant childhood themes with nuanced humor that will make both kids and their grown-ups giggle.--Claire Moore

In the zany fifth entry in the Unlimited Squirrels series, Zoom Squirrel stops by his pals' "feelings" kiosk and eagerly tries on proffered new emotions. First up is disappointment. Zoom is ready, but the hawker squirrels consult their clipboard schedule and advise a "disappointment appointment," leaving Zoom dismayed at the delay. An alternative emotion, frustration, is temptingly offered, but when that feeling is out of stock, Zoom sees red. The squirrels check their inventory and find a favorite old feeling to embrace: "LOVE!" Speech bubbles with bold-faced words, plenty of pleasing repetition, and "emote-acorn" emojis all support readers in their understanding of the text and naming and recognizing emotions in themselves and others. More laughs are provided by "Acorn-y" joke pages, and conversations are encouraged with Research Rodent's question, "What do you do when you get frustrated?" Willems' inimitable comedic timing, animated cartoon characters, and witty repartee give beginning readers all the big feels.