Garbage Squirrel

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with social boundaries, making impulsive choices that push others away, or feeling like the label of a troublemaker has started to stick. It is a compassionate tool for children who have ever felt like the odd one out after a mistake and need to know that their past actions do not define their future value. The story follows Gary, a scrappy zoo squirrel whose snack-stealing antics have earned him a reputation as a nuisance. However, a series of daring encounters with a polar bear and a lizard lead Gary toward a path of bravery and redemption. This book balances humor with heartfelt lessons on empathy, resilience, and the power of a second chance. It is ideal for ages 4 to 8, helping children understand that everyone deserves a place to belong and that it is never too late to make things right and find your community.