Author David Sedaris is known for his hilariously strange short stories about his family and his life. His latest book, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Beastiary, seems as though it would be miles away from his usual offerings. It's not. It's Sedaris' usual funny, often cynical look at the awkward situations of everyday life, but with a hairy twist.

With its large type, thick pages and adorable illustrations by Ian Falconer, this could easily be mistaken for Sedaris' first foray into children's literature. Don't be fooled — this book is as adult as the rest of his work.

The animals in Sedaris' book are thrown into human situations — the death of a parent, seeking love outside one's social circle and the annoyances and difficulties of marriage and love.

Though each short story is centred on animals, don't expect a book of Aesop-style stories. "I couldn't call them fables," explained Sedaris during his book reading in London on October 1, "because they have no morals. Neither do I."

Many of the stories may seem bizarre or appalling to a Sedaris newbie, but it's exactly what fans have come to expect and adore from the author.

The animals in this book are selfish and self-absorbed — qualities seen in many of Sedaris' human characters. Each beast exhibits human tendencies and imperfections, making them easy to relate to. Who hasn't milked a tough situation for extra sympathy, or awkwardly stumbled in a variety of attempts to kiss a client's ass?

This book is entertaining, but not quite as good as his non-fiction stories. The stories are short and gloriously weird, however, and make this book perfect for reading on the bus.