- Illustrated Chapter Books
- Ages 7–10
- Comedy
Squirrel and Duck: Invasion of the Doggy-Snatchers
Book 2 of 3 in Squirrel and DuckView the full series
A silly alien-conspiracy sequel with talking animals, possessed dogs and fast comic momentum. Strong for readers who want the energy of graphic novels but can handle an illustrated prose format.
- Best for7–10
- FormatIllustrated
- Length240 pp
- Read aloud~3 hr25 min
The vibe
What it’s like.
Style
- Conversational
- Comedic
- Onomatopoeic
Tone
- Funny
- Silly
- Absurdist
- Exciting
- Suspenseful
Themes
Experience meters
What’s it about?
The story.
Squirrel and Duck notice that dogs everywhere are behaving strangely, and because they are the only two talking animals in the world, they are also apparently the only ones who can do anything about it. Their discovery leads to a ridiculous alien conspiracy: aliens are invading by taking over dogs' bodies, and the bickering duo have to stop them before things get completely out of paw. This second book keeps the same odd-couple rhythm as the opener, but adds a stronger science-fiction hook, more direct danger and a very child-friendly invasion premise. The appeal is in the collision between high-stakes language and silly execution: secret plots, weird behaviour, alien danger, and two deeply mismatched animal heroes who can barely agree long enough to save the day. It is especially good for joke-led readers who enjoy absurd threats rather than serious sci-fi.
Fit check
Right for your child?
Where it lands by age
- 1
- 3
- 5
- 7
- 9
- 11
- 13
- Best fit · 7–10
- Read aloud · 6–9
- Independent · 7–10
Prose load
Moderate
Visual support
High
Reluctant-reader friendly
Very
Read-aloud quality
Strong
Works well for
- Reading aloud
- Reading together
- Reluctant readers
Nothing in the book is likely to concern most parents. Safe to recommend without preview.
Bedtime suitability
2 / 5 · Better outside bedtime
Sensitive-child
4 / 5 · Good fit
Graphic intensity
1 / 5 · None
Best for
- Funny
- Aliens
- Talking animals
- Highly illustrated
- Reluctant readers
Avoid if
- Prefers realistic stories
- Dislikes body snatching jokes
- Wants true graphic novel panels
Particularly good for children who are…
- Reluctant reader
- Struggling with reading
- Making friends
In the classroom
How it works in school.
A funny early chapter-adventure series — a great pick for newly independent and reluctant readers.
A book children love that happens to support school — never a stand-in for the texts a class is taught with. Reviewed for the classroom · June 2026.
Why it lands
Why they love it.
Why kids love it
The specific kick is the alien dog conspiracy — local dogs behaving oddly, the only two talking animals in the world having to investigate, an absurd body-snatcher plot landing right under their noses. The second Squirrel and Duck with proper sci-fi silliness.
- Friendship and belonging
- Surviving danger
- Making a difference
- Trickery and cleverness
Why parents love it
The Squirrel and Duck sequel — odd-couple rhythm intact, alien-invasion premise giving Percival fresh material outside the Big Bright Feelings register. Strong for the joke-led reader. Tom Percival showing range.
- Shared humour
- Quick to read
- Conversation starter
In the series
Squirrel and Duck.
3 books · open the series →
About the author & illustrator
Tom Percival.
If you liked this
Three ways out of this book.
If you liked this, try…
Lateral matches. Same shelf, different texture.
Come into this from…
Easier or preparing reads — perfect lead-ins.
Where to go next…
Escalation reads — a step up in scale, silliness, or stakes.
More like this…
Books that share themes and topics with this one.
Buy or borrow
Pick up a copy.
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