Nancy Rose is likely Canada’s most patient photographer. She’s also rather creative. In The Secret Life of Squirrels – A Love Story, Rose uses her skill with the camera, custom created miniature set pieces, and the natural curiosity of these adorable fur balls to tell a story that will bring a smile to kids and adults alike.

Our story follows the aptly named “Mr. Peanuts” (Rose uses peanuts to attract the squirrels to her tiny sets) as he prepares for Valentines Day. But wait! Mr. Peanuts is all alone. While preparing to do some yard work in his shed and shopping for groceries (with a peanut in his mouth – clearly his signature), he ponders what life might be like with a special friend.

Of course the appeal here is the charming poses Rose manages to capture, and apparently this is through simple diligence. Nothing is manipulated. The little tableaus are real life squirrel drama. Kids will laugh when they see Mr. Peanut and his special friend, Rosie, spend time on the playground playing hopscotch, enjoying the slide and swing set, and sitting down for a candle-lit dinner for two.

These squirrels have been coming to visit Rose for some time. From the author’s website, secretlifeofsquirrels.com:

A passion for nature and wildlife, and a lifetime spent as a crafter merged when she discovered the curiousity of the little American Red squirrels who raided the bird feeders in her backyard. Nancy creates squirrel size props using cardboard, clay, and assorted craft supplies and dollar store finds. She arranges them in miniature settings and she has created numerous scenarios on her backyard deck where the inquisitive squirrels find themselves in some rather human like poses as they search for peanuts hidden in the props.

Her favorite squirrel, Mr. Peanuts, was the first to eat from her hand and when he is “in the neighborhood” he is sure to stop by and check out whatever Nancy puts out on her deck rail. Her squirrel visitors have grown in number and Nancy hopes that together they can continue to delight viewers for years to come.

– Nancy Rose’s website, www.secretlifeofsquirrels.com

The Secret Life of Squirrels – A Love Story, published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, is part of a series of books that share Rose’s regular visitors and their entertaining antics. Take a look – they are visually engaging and lovingly created. You can pick up the books at your local book store or online at your favorite retailer. Amazon offers both physical and electronic editions.