Line #2 Literature/SquirrelSeeksChipmunk

Context Literature / SquirrelSeeksChipmunk

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1	''Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk'' - or to give it its full title, ''Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary'' - is a collection of [[BeastFable animal fables]] by American humorist Creator/DavidSedaris. It can be seen as a SpiritualSuccessor to ''Literature/AesopsFables'', although if anything the morals and the way they play out is [[DarkerAndEdgier even more cynical]]. With gorgeous art by veteran children's illustrator Ian Falconer, the book could make a tempting gift for young children. Shoppers are strongly advised to read it through before [[WhatDoYouMeanItsNotForKids making that call]].
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3	!!Tropes present in these stories:
4	* BeastFable: The central conceit of the collection.
5	* CrapsaccharineWorld: Filled with cute talking animals who are [[FantasticRacism kinda racist]], violent, and generally unhappy.
6	* DeliveryStork: Parodied in "The Parenting Stork", wherein a mama stork teaches her chick that mice deliver baby storks. On balance she doesn't seem to be any better or worse a parent than her sister, who teaches a more realistic view of sex.
7	* EyeballPluckingBirds: In "The Crow and the Lamb", an AffablyEvil crow flatters and jokes with a ewe who has just given birth. After chatting for a while, the crow encourages her to try meditation. It turns out that [[spoiler: she was trying to distract the ewe this whole time]], and once the ewe is deep in meditation, [[spoiler: the crow plucks out the lamb's eyes, eating one and bringing the other to her young]].
8	* EyeScream: [[spoiler:At the end of "The Crow and the Lamb".]]
9	* FantasticRacism: Seen throughout. In the first story a baboon hairdresser connives a bigger tip from her cat customer by feigning a hatred of dogs.
10	* TheFarmerAndTheViper: "The Mouse and the Snake" is a variation on this old Aesop, although in this case the aggressor never made any claims or promises.
11	* NoAccountingForTaste: The Faithful Setter and his wife.
12	* PredationIsNatural: Occurs in many of the stories. Predatory characters mention various rationalizations for their CarnivoreConfusion.
13	* ProperlyParanoid: {{Deconstructed\| Trope}} in "The Vigilant Rabbit".
14	* StarCrossedLovers: The Squirrel and the Chipmunk.
15	* WeightWoe: The Pig.

Context Literature / SquirrelSeeksChipmunk