[alert variation=”alert-info”]Publisher: Scholastic Press
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Kindle
Purchase: Powell’s | Amazon | IndieBound | iBooks[/alert]
Thank you, Jeremy Tankard, for ‘authorstrating’ the book, Hungry Bird. I was provided an advanced reader copy of his latest book featuring a pint sized blue bird with a big personality. Hungry Bird is the first of Jeremy’s books I have read, but his humorous yet real-life story and fun, edgy illustrations earned him another fan. Count me in for his other Bird books as well as others he has collaborated on. I also hope, not so secretively, that Bird’s friends will get to debut in their own stories.
The Story!
Hungry Bird will hit close home for most. Parents most definitely will see their own child in Bird’s hangry behavior, obstinate behavior in trying new foods (totally age appropriate), rapid escalation in demands, and dramatic reenactments of hungry moments. How about a snack and an Oscar for that final scene? Jeremy Tankard has written an enjoyable story that moves a nice pace through the vibrant pages, with repetition to generate anticipation, humor to keep reader and listeners intrigued and opportunity for some embellishment. Jeremy uses UPPERCASE at just the right time, requiring some vocal emPHAsis. This book also has healthy story lines including being active and smart snacking. As a mother of a fruit bat (read: not so much into veggies), I appreciate the eating reinforcement by Bird’s friends (berries, grass or carrots anyone?). Lastly, he really nailed the raccoon sandwich, describing it only as a ‘medley of flavors’ descriptive but still mysterious, just like a raccoon. Spoiler alert – you will never know what is between those two slices of bread. Bird is lucky to have such a great crew of friends, who are willing to share and allow Bird the space he needs to be Bird. I do still find myself wondering where is his backpack full of snacks?
The Pictures! “The principles of true art is not to portray, but to evoke” – Jerzy Kosinski
This book is illustrated in such a fresh relevant way, like well-done graffiti or street art, that is still whimsical enough for children to enjoy, detailed enough to allow for extra questions and discussion while reading (e.g. how many butterflies do you see?), but still realistic enough for small children to practice identification. He most certainly evokes the big personality of the little blue Bird. His illustrations are worthy of frames as well.
I highly recommend this book for both the story and the illustrations and you can bet that I will be gifting to others.
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