Grumpy Bird

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 31, 2016

Review

At first glance, this reviewer was delighted to see this picture book title re-issued as a board book. Grumpy bird is exactly that when he first gets up so he decides to walk instead of fly. As he passes each of his friends, he must explain why he is walking. The problem is solved when grumpy bird notices that all his friends are following and a game of imitate results. The illustrations in this smaller, compact version are bright and show the busyness of the mixed media background. Most two page spreads are four lines of text which may or may not be tolerated by the very young. The story has provided an interactive element for story times for the past few years in the picture book form, but the smaller board book version does not translate well to a larger group. Suggested for the older board book readers due to the busy backgrounds and the dense weight of the book.

Overall Book Score: good