Tommy the Squirrel: Wants to be Human
About
EARNED A BOOKY AWARD FOR BEST BOOK TO SPARK A DREAM
A Charming Tale About Being Yourself - Big Questions from a Little Squirrel
Tommy the Squirrel Wants to be Human follows Tommy as he observes a family from Indiana, practicing everything he believes humans do. He dreams of riding bikes, traveling far, and eating all the delicious campfire snacks he sees. But a surprising conversation makes Tommy pause — and compare his squirrel life to the human world. What he discovers is something every child needs to hear. Karen L West crafts a story that is equal parts funny, heartfelt, and quietly profound.
- Celebrates self-acceptance with warmth and humor
- Set in the scenic Bruce Peninsula, Ontario — a vivid outdoor backdrop
- Features a relatable, lovable animal hero kids will adore
- Perfect for read-aloud sessions with children ages 3–7
Perfect for: read-aloud time, children 3-7, early readers, and families who love animal adventures with a gentle lesson about self-acceptance.
Trailer
Praise for this book
I think this is story is great for asking questions to our kids. For instance, I was reading it with my son, and I asked him if he had ever wished to be someone else and why.
It's great for reflecting and thinking about what we like about ourselves and what we like about others.
When Tommy woke up and followed the family, he made sure to be sneaky. This part is so endearing because little Tommy started watching them and trying to imitate them.
This is a great opportunity to teach our kids that we shouldn't believe everything we see, because on the outside it may seem appealing, but in reality, it's now. This book is perfect for reading with kids aged 5-8 to teach them to love who they are and appreciate their lives.
This is a story about self-acceptance wrapped in warmth, humor, and the vivid outdoor backdrop of Ontario's Bruce Peninsula.
I want you to know that I genuinely appreciate the work behind this book. Its great and unique potential stood out to me immediately, and that is why I am reaching out. The concept of a squirrel who wants to be human is inherently delightful, but the deeper message about self-acceptance is what makes this book special.
One of the things that stayed with me after reading about Tommy wasn't simply that it's a charming story about a curious squirrel. It's the way children are invited to see the world through Tommy's eyes. That sense of curiosity, wonder, and gentle humor makes the story feel warm and approachable, while naturally encouraging kindness, patience, and appreciation for nature without ever feeling like it's teaching a lesson.
Those are the kinds of stories families come back to because children enjoy them first, and the message stays with them afterwards.
I sincerely hope Tommy continues to find new readers, and I would love to see the series grow over the coming years because I believe it has the potential to become a collection that families enjoy reading together.