Sugar is digging a hole to provide shelter in case of future storms, which leads to the discovery of an unknown object -- perhaps a fossil? Meanwhile, her siblings and other animals start digging their own holes in the yard as a result of Sugar's actions.

This book has a prologue and epilogue told from the family dog's point of view, although I'm not quite sure why. The introduction briefly tells you at least the names of the four main characters, but it doesn't give a whole lot more than that. (For instance, who is Barbara?? She's referenced in the text but never seen or explained.) I'm not sure if reading the previous titles in this series would have helped with getting the characters straight, but I honestly didn't care that much to keep track of them. The story didn't seem to warrant it all that much.

There is story is very slim, but it is rather humorous. There is also a great deal of science discussed within the book (particularly meteorology and archaeology) as well as some history, so children will be learning something while reading this without feeling like it's too much "work." The writing and vocabulary is relatively basic and the short chapters with black-and-white illustrations will appeal to those kids who are transitioning from early readers but not quite ready to tackle longer chapter books yet. ( )

The Chicken Squad is back and decide to dig their own storm shelter. Suddenly they find a bone and think it may be a great archeological find. Now the squirrels and the chipmunks notice what the chickens are doing and have to get in on the act. What a spread of misinformation follows!

I love the Chicken Squad. They are crazy. Dirt is the sanest of them while Poppy and Sweetie are often lost when Sugar takes the reins. Sugar is so full of misinformation that poor Dirt has a hard time giving the facts out correctly. They are so much fun. Then J.J. has to save them all. I love his deadpan handling as he tells the story. It puts me in mind of the voice overs in the old Film Noir movies of the 40's and 50's.

I look forward to more of the Chicken Squad and J.J. ( )