Digger is a squirrel. He loves digging in the dirt, which is how he got his name. One day, while digging, Digger finds a big treasure chest. At first, he doesn’t know what it is. When Uncle Stubby helps him open it, all they find inside is costumes. Digger was hoping for a chest full of nuts, but, when Uncle Stubby tells him they can all dress up for a costume party, Digger is very excited. Everyone in the forest can participate. Even the raccoon, who usually isn’t friends with the squirrels, is included, as is Shadow, the friendly little dog. The costumes are fun, but the most fun is the preparation: the invitations, choosing the costumes, decorating the forest, and waiting for everyone to come.

S. Jackson and A. Raymond’s picture book story, Shadow and Friends Costume Party, is book 11 in the Shadow and Friends series. The characters are introduced with care and the plot develops from the finding of the treasure chest to the happy, fun events of the party. The colorful illustrations help carry the story along, as the creatures in this charming fantasy forest come together in friendship. This is a fun read, but also an educational story as young readers will learn the importance of being kind and getting along with others, even those who are different, and sharing good things with everyone, like the costumes in the treasure chest. Another important lesson is about caring for wildlife and the natural world around us, which is what the Schmidt family does in the Shadow and Friends series. A good read for young children.

In Shadow And Friends Costume Party, Digger the squirrel was digging dirt around the base of his favorite tree where Mr. Schmidt would hide nuts for him and the other squirrels to enjoy. Both Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt believed in taking care of wildlife and they often left out food for the different animals in their backyard. One day while digging, Digger comes across a treasure chest. Not sure what was in it, Digger got his dad to find out. Inside the chest was a bunch of old costumes which made Digger decide to have a costume party. Inviting all his friends to the costume party, Digger's mom Sparkles and grandma Foxy decorated the backyard with a huge castle and knights to stand guard. Everyone dressed up and the party was fun for the squirrels and other animals. The party was a great success and Digger wanted to make sure it happened every year.

I thought Shadow and Friends Costume Party by S. Jackson, A. Raymond, and M. Schmidt is an adorable story that is both fun to read and has an educational message to share with its young readers. I thought Digger was a well thought out and imaginative main character. The artwork that goes along with the story is very unique and creative. I like how the author had an underlying message of helping and taking care of wild creatures. I also liked how there was a mix of real wildlife creatures as well as those straight out of a fantasy book like the troll and the unicorn. Overall, I thought this is a great read that children will enjoy. It’s a book I’d recommend.