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My curiosity was sparked by another review bemoaning this tale’s cruelty and its disparaging message to children. I can see where that reviewer is coming from. After all, in the end poor Squirrel Nutkin’s tail is broken in two, not to mention his spirit. Yet one can’t help but wonder about the continuing popularity of a book first published in 1903. There must be some redeeming value to this short tale.

I think your enjoyment of the story depends on how you view Squirrel Nutkin. Is he a frisky little guy or deliberately taunting the owl? Is he attention-seeking and self-absorbed or just impertinent and immature? I see Squirrel Nutkin as a frisky fellow who really doesn’t know any better. He’s sort of the class clown of the group, and fun and play are his personality, and really all he’s ever known as it is ingrained in him. I felt bad that none of his cousins tried to warn him of the error of his ways. He had to learn his lesson the hard way, but I guess that mirrors real life. You don’t always get a warning.

Thus, there we have the redeeming value. Respect, diligence, and hard work are good qualities to exhibit while fun and play should be reserved for the appropriate time and place. I see children enjoying this tale of a naughty squirrel. The illustrations are charming and the moral message will certainly be received. It’s only as adults that we see this tale as more tormenting than cautionary.