The Squirrels and other animals

In Short

This is a work of Victorian natural history written for young readers, presented as a series of observations by a squirrel named Brush. Through his eyes, the book explores the lives of various British quadrupeds—including bats, hedgehogs, and water-rats—before broadening its scope to include the dramatic life stories of elephants. It has endured as a charming example of nineteenth-century educational literature, blending scientific curiosity with a gentle, fable-like narrative style that encourages children to observe the habits of animals in their own gardens and woods.

The Story

The narrative begins on a fine spring morning when Brush, a squirrel living in a magnificent oak tree, emerges from a two-month winter nap. Hungry and energetic, he delights in the return of green buds and the warmth of the sun. As the season progresses, Brush and his family engage in spirited games and foraging, though they remain wary of threats like the gamekeeper’s gun and the local spaniels. The story follows their daily routines, capturing the playful dynamics between the parents and their offspring, as well as their interactions with neighbors.

As the summer heats up, Brush encounters a variety of creatures. He spends time watching water-rats in a nearby pond and observes a bat, whom he calls Leatherwing, flitting about at dusk. These encounters allow the book to weave in factual descriptions of these animals' physical traits and behaviors. Brush also learns about the struggles of other species, including the arrival of foreign brown rats, which he views as a disruptive influence on the native population. Along the way, the family faces tragedy; a brother named Softsides, known for his vanity and rash behavior, meets a grim end after failing to listen to his sister’s warnings, ultimately drowning in a discarded keg.

As autumn approaches, the squirrels focus on gathering provisions for the coming winter. They have a tense confrontation with a wild cat, their primary adversary, narrowly escaping disaster thanks to a timely gunshot from a human observer. Later, Brush encounters a hedgehog named Touchmenot, who provides a prickly but ultimately harmless perspective on woodland life. As the cold returns, the family retreats to their nest for their long winter sleep, secure in their hoard of nuts and acorns.

The book then pivots to an unexpected shift in perspective. The narrator introduces a "supplementary" tale recounted by an observer who claims to have overheard the life history of an aging elephant. This patriarch shares stories of his youth, the brutal reality of hunters, and the emotional bonds of his herd. He recalls a daring rescue mission where he and his fellows saved a captive female from a pitfall—who would later become his lifelong mate. The narrative concludes with this reflection on animal memory, loyalty, and the endurance of family, leaving the reader with a broader view of the animal kingdom that extends far beyond the quiet valley of the oak tree.

How It Unfolds

A spring awakening Brush rouses from his winter sleep and ventures out into the warming valley to forage for fresh buds. He demonstrates his agility, leaping between branches and navigating the oak tree with ease.

The cycle of the woods The family enjoys a playful summer of frolicking and foraging while dodging local threats like the gamekeeper’s dogs. They learn to navigate the dangers of the ground, where their speed is limited, and stick close to the safety of the trees.

Observing the neighbors Brush watches the water-rats diving in the pond and encounters a bat, whose nocturnal habits and unique wing structure are described in detail. Through these meetings, the book provides natural history lessons framed as gossip or dialogue between the animals.

The risk of vanity Brother Softsides ignores the wise counsel of his sister Sleek and attempts a reckless leap onto a keg, which results in his drowning. This serves as a cautionary moment for the young squirrels regarding the importance of prudence.

A narrow escape While foraging in nut-trees, the squirrels are hunted by a wild cat and barely evade her grasp before a hunter’s shot intervenes. The family returns to their oak-tree nest, safe for the duration of the winter.

Tales from afar The perspective shifts to a distant landscape where an elephant recounts the history of his herd. He describes the dangers of human hunters and the deep loyalty shown during a rescue of his mate.

The People

Brush is the central figure, a curious and cautious squirrel who serves as the reader’s guide to the valley. He is defined by his love for his family and his constant alertness to the dangers posed by cats and dogs. His wife, Mrs. Brush, provides a stable, maternal presence, while his children represent the impetuous nature of youth. Among them, Softsides stands out for his fatal lack of judgment, serving as a foil to the sensible and prudent Sleek.

Leatherwing, the bat, acts as an eccentric informant who shares his observations with Brush, reflecting the book's tendency to anthropomorphize its animal subjects. In the latter half, the unnamed patriarch of an elephant herd emerges as a wise, aging figure, haunted by the loss of his brother but sustained by the memory of his lifelong devotion to his mate. Finally, the unnamed human narrator acts as the mediator between the animal world and the reader, often interjecting with moral lessons or gentle admonitions to the audience to remain observant and kind. Each character, whether a tiny rodent or a massive pachyderm, is treated with a dignity that underscores the book's argument for empathy toward all living things.

In Its Own Voice

"Yes, I have certainly been asleep," said the squirrel, "and I fancy I have had a pretty long nap too."

Brush reflects upon his emergence from a two-month winter slumber into the warmth of a spring morning.

"I hope you have not forgotten who it was that had saved the lives of so many squirrels."

The narrator pauses to remind the reader of the earlier intervention by a human with a gun, which kept the squirrels safe from their predators.

"Brother Brisk barbarously butchered!"

The elephant herd repeats this cry of grief upon learning the fate of a member of their community at the hands of hunters.

What It's Really About

The book is a quiet argument for the inherent worth and intelligence of animals. By framing biological facts within narratives of family, risk, and communication, the author invites the reader to see creatures as individual actors with personalities, fears, and memories. It explores the tension between instinct and learned behavior, suggesting that knowledge—such as remembering the location of food or the nature of a trap—is a crucial survival skill for both squirrels and elephants. Ultimately, the work asks the reader to cultivate a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world, suggesting that even the smallest rodent or the most common garden visitor possesses a life as complex and deserving of observation as the grandest animals of the wild.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate classic, gentle nature writing will find a soft, rhythmic comfort in these pages. The tone is deeply earnest and warm, reflecting a Victorian sensibility that prioritizes observational detail and moral instruction. It feels like a long, leisurely walk through a sun-dappled valley, where the reader is invited to sit quietly and watch the inhabitants of the trees and ponds.

It is important to note that the book carries the period-specific attitudes of its time, particularly in its romanticized view of nature and its occasionally didactic approach to animal behavior. Some readers may find the digressions into the lives of elephants to be a jarring change of pace from the cozy woodland setting, and the occasionally formal language may require a bit of patience. However, the vivid descriptions of animal movement—such as the bat’s "umbrella-like" wings—and the genuine affection the author shows for his subjects remain engaging. It is a rewarding read for anyone who enjoys old-fashioned stories that connect the reader to the rhythms of the seasons and the quiet drama of the wild. What stays with you is the author's insistence that one should "make good use of eyes and ears" to understand the natural world, a sentiment that remains as relevant and inviting today as it was in the nineteenth century.