Carolee Wells Henney’s Tac and Tuk is the story of cousin ground squirrels Tac and Tuk. Tuk busies himself doing ground squirrel things, but Tac is bored and would love to go on an exciting visit to the Rocky Mountains right over on the other side of their part of Texas. One day she hears the sound of someone in distress and, on investigating, discovers Bettina, a Canadian goose, who has become trapped in some nasty plastic wrapping. The kind ground squirrels release her. They build a safe nest where she can rest and heal her injured wing. As Bettina heals, Tac’s friendship with her grows. One day it’s time for Bettina to fly away with the other migrating geese. She promises to return and invites Tac on a visit to the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Heather Ewing Closse’s detailed and sweet illustrations are the perfect way to complement Henney’s delightful story. Each page of Tac and Tuk contains either black and white or colourful artwork that really brings the characters and story to life. The story is entertaining and well-written, and there is much to talk about together when sharing the book with a young child. Children will love the kind natured ground squirrels, and I like the way Tac and Tuk have different personalities. There is a good message about helpfulness and compassion, as well as the need for all of us to think about our impact on the environment. This is an attractive and beautifully produced and formatted book – an asset for any child’s bookshelf.

Tac and Tuk by Carolee Wells Henney is a cute picture book for any child interested in animals and any parent interested in reading a feel good story to their toddlers. Tac and Tuk are ground squirrels interested in adventure. That adventure finds them one day when Tac discovers a Canada Goose trapped in the forest. Her wings are ensnared by the "plastic loops that come on people’s soft-drink cans," showing how dangerous littering and not recycling can be. When the ground squirrels rescue the goose and help set her free, Tac is rewarded with an offer to fly to the Rocky Mountains, which has always been her dream. The book ends on a high note with Tac excited and waiting for the chance to fly with the goose over the mountains that she has always dreamed of visiting.

I loved the illustrations in Tac and Tuk! Although Carolee Wells Henney's author note states the pictures are in black and white, some of the pictures in my copy were in color. I could definitely see a toddler or preschooler wanting to color in the black and white pictures of the ground squirrels! I also enjoyed the positive message of this story. It reminded me of Aesop's Fables that I used to read and listen to when I was a kid, and I appreciated that feeling of nostalgia. The story ended with the promise of Tac's adventure to the Rocky Mountains, so I could see this story becoming a series that chronicled the many adventures of the courageous and adventurous Tac and her trusty cousin Tuk.