Mr. Wellington is the story of a boy who finds a baby squirrel alone in the road on a cold night. The squirrel’s mother doesn’t seem to around, so Jonathan takes the baby home to care for him. Though Jonathan means well, he soon realizes that the squirrel isn’t doing very well. He contacts a wildlife rehabilitator, who helps care for the squirrel until it can be released. The story is told in alternating chapters from both boy and squirrel’s point of view. The author gets across some good information and his message in an engaging, realistic story.

Many of us have tried to rescue a baby animal or bird, not always successfully. It’s difficult for a child (or grown-up) to release a wild animal we’ve cared for. Reading this book as a family helps children to understand that wild animals aren’t meant to be pets. Even if we become fond of them, captivity is still stressful.

Call the Milford Nature Center at 785-238-5323. After hours or on weekends, call 785-223-2273 or 785-238-6794. Or e-mail at milfordnature@earthlink.net. Check their website for good information on caring for a wild animal until it can be taken to a licensed rehabilitator: http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/Locations/Museums-and-Nature-Centers/Milford-Nature-Center/Wildlife-Rehabilitation

reviewed by Victoria